KH: When did you start at Werribee and what got you to the club ?
NH: I started as a physio at Werribee in November 2009. I was working at Symmetry Physiotherapy and we were approached to come down and see if we wanted to take on the role at Werribee. I had a number of meetings with Mark and Stu and attended a few training sessions and felt that it would be a good fit for me and my career. Also there was a great feel around the club, within minutes of being there, you felt a part of it. Lots of the players came up and introduced themselves and that made me feel comfortable.
KH: What is the biggest challenge in your role with part time footballers?
NH: The lack of time we get with them. A lot of the guys have full-time jobs or are studying full-time so they don't get to training until 15-20 mins before. There are a number of processes I would like to be able to implement, however we have to keep in my mind that these guys are not fulltime professional and have other commitments. We tend to target the most important issues first, and if we get a chance, we will begin to tackle the less pressing issues.
KH: Did you play, if so give your footy history and what steered you to this career path.
NH: I grew up in Anglesea and played junior footy there until I moved to Queensland where I continued to play junior footy on the Gold Coast with Palm Beach-Currumbin. I then played senior footy for Palm Beach Currumbin. After finishing Uni I played at Coolangatta Tweed football club, where I would quite often be taping and treating just prior to and during the game. After finishing playing in 2008 after an ankle injury and realising I could only do one thing, either playing or being a physio. I moved back to Victoria and took up a role with Symmetry Physiotherapy, the Hoppers Crossing Football Club in the WRFL and then Werribee. I have always enjoyed playing and watching football so it was a natural progression for me to move from player to physio at a football club.
KH: Your best and worst footy experience
NH: The best experience I get out of footy these days is seeing any of the players who have long term injuries get back to playing and helping them acheive their goals in football. My worst experience so far is losing 3 grand finals in a row while playing in Queensland.
KH: What are your ambitions in sport
NH: Obviously as a physiotherapist to attend an Olympic Games would be close to the top of the list and also to work with an AFL club would also be up there. I just want to be the best physio I can be, whereever that takes me, I will be happy.
KH: Why did you put your hand up for the State job
NH: I thought it would be a good experience, I felt that it would be helpful for me to see how different teams and coaches organise themselves. Hopefully I will get some new ideas that we can implement at Werribee to make us a better side. Also a trip away is always attractive (ha ha).
Last Modified on 22/05/2012 17:24