On his injury…

It was just a bit clumsy really. I injured my hand at half-time. We came into half-time with a bit of uncertainty as to how many boys were going to be available in that second half, and reading the room and the mood thought we needed to raise the energy a little bit. It was quite innocuous and a little bit clumsy, but I injured it and just carried on. It didn’t affect me – it’s all fixed and is business as usual.

On reviewing the Sydney game…

Every week, you’re not going to have every player in your team play to the nth degree of their capabilities – but we’re such a difficult team to play against when we have that really even spread. That’s what we’re firmly after each week.

The thing is we don’t rely on too few. That’s what we’re looking for this week – a really even contribution. Every week, our players’ focus is to give their best for their teammates, but also absolutely for our supporters and to represent the Club. Ultimately, we’re striving to achieve the highest position we can when it’s all said and done.

We’re still in there – we’ve got a great opportunity ahead of us.

On team selection…

Yeah, Baz will come in. He’s gotten over his illness and will play. 

We thought Rory’s second half (in the VFL) was influential. He’s just working on some simple things now to force his way back in. Buku Khamis has been kicking some goals this year as well, at state-league level.

We’ll need to bring someone in to fulfill that second ruck role – that’ll be between Rory and Buku.

On Essendon…

Their offensive brilliance has been quite evident in some of their games. They had a bit of a shoot-out against Adelaide as well, so we can see where their threats are, and how their key playmakers can get on top of you in certain areas. They’ll be a handful.

The Bombers are striving to make sure at the end of the year that they’re finishing in that top eight – as we are – so like Sydney last week, they’re as dangerous as any team on their day. We’ve got to make sure that we’re ready.

On playing the remaining games like they are finals…

Those words haven’t come out of my mouth, but I like the way (Adam Treloar)’s thinking. It can’t be too little too late with six rounds to go. We’re in control of our own destiny. We’re no different to any other team who’s got an opportunity to push the envelope.

There’s no time like the present. If our players are using that sort of terminology, it’s fine with me.

I’m a dreamer, I’m a believer, I’m someone who doesn’t let go until it’s finished. I’m telling our players that we are capable of anything – but it remains to be seen. I can push that party line and drive our players, our group and our people to step outside of their comfort zone and push to win every game, but the evidence will be there at the end of the day. There’s a great opportunity for us to really push this week in particular – what happens after that we’ll wait and see.