AFLW: Far North star Tiarna Ernst has high expectations
Q&A
THERE is an air of optimism at the Western Bulldogs ahead of its AFLW opener against Fremantle tomorrow.
The 2018 season kicked off in Melbourne last night with Carlton toppling Collingwood by eight-points in front of another sellout crowd.
NEWSPORT journalist Mark Murray caught up with former Mossman State High School graduate Tiarna Ernst on the eve of her second season with the Bulldogs, and expectations are high.
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MARK MURRAY: Must be an exciting time at the club ahead of the opener?
TIARNA ERNST: Very excited. Our coach (Paul Groves) has actually been using the word ‘excited’ in record amounts in the lead up to this weekend, which we all tease him about. It probably is the most fitting word to describe the feeling.
MM: How so?
TE: For the girls that were playing last year we are excited to have this amazing opportunity again. For the new girls who have been drafted, it’s exciting that now their dreams also get to come true and run out onto a field in AFL colours. We have all worked incredibly hard in the pre-season and there is a really good feeling and confidence heading into the first round that we can take our game to the next level and achieve more success than last year.
MM: How would you compare your pre-season compared to last year?
TE: Even though there was an element of familiarity given this was my second pre-season with the Bulldogs, I think it was actually harder than last year. But that isn't a bad thing. Expectations on players have increased in terms of strength and conditioning, diet and recovery behaviours.
MM: So the professionalism has lifted a notch?
YE: Yes. We are now expected to conduct ourselves 24/7 as elite athletes. Off-field behaviours in terms of diet, recovery and sleep are just as important as what we do at the club. There has been a real focus on player development this pre-season with extra resources and coaching focused on improving our skills as well as becoming more versatile players. It is always a pretty tough slog in the middle of summer heat, but this preseason has been incredibly rewarding and I think has prepared us all very well for the season.
MM: You had picks 1 and 3 in the AFLW Draft taking Izzy Huntington and Monique Conti. What can we expect from them?
TE: We were very successful in AFLW Draft this getting two incredibly talented players. Izzy (pick 1) and Monique (pick 3) have been such valuable additions to the team and despite their young age, are very determined, competitive and mature individuals.
MM: There’s plenty of hype about your chances this year after a disappointing 2017 (finished seventh). What are your expectations?
TE: The team has gelled remarkably well and the new drafted players have all added something special to the group and team bond. Having our captain Katie Brennan back from injury and so many other players raising the bar of intensity and determination at trainings, it is a really exciting feeling. The focus on individual and team growth in the preseason has helped develop a great feeling at the club and a genuine belief we can achieve something special this year.
MM: Paul Groves has transformed the game plan over summer with an emphasis on kicking the footy. How has the group adapted?
TE: The group has adapted remarkably well to the new game plan. The coaching staff spent a great amount of time analysing the competition statistics and our own performances last year and recognised with the 16-a-side format we needed to kick more. A lot of focus was put on developing strength in different kicking techniques and being adaptable to different weather conditions. Hopefully you will see a big difference in the way we play.
MM: Who has been the track star?
TE: I think all players have raised the bar in terms of their individual performance. Consistent standouts would be Brooke Lochland and Libby Birch, both who give absolutely everything they have, every single training. Katie Brennan has also taken her game to another level and dramatically improved her strength and endurance.
MM: How has your preparation been?
TE: Personally, I feel I have had a great pre-season. My body feels fit and strong and I have had no injury concerns going into the season. I thrive off this elite environment and have been trying to lead by example by doing everything possible to prepare my body the best I can.
MM: Sounds like you’re in for a big year?
TE: I am excited about seeing the difference it (training) makes in my performance on the field. I’m definitely looking forward to the challenges of playing in a few different positions as well.
MM: Given the short season format (seven rounds), how much of an emphasis has been placed on winning tomorrow against Fremantle?
TE: There is a strong understanding that we must not let any opportunity this season escape us. Winning against Fremantle is just the start of that. Our coaches have broken it down even further and asked to focus only on the first 15 minutes of the game.
MM: Any bold predictions this year?
TE: I expect this season will be again very close and it will be only the teams that can remain focused and united every single quarter of each match that will be there on Grand Final day.
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