The 19th selection in the 2016 national draft has been patient for his opportunity in the red, blue and white. Tim English managed just two senior games in his debut season, but has steadily become a regular in 2018, and sat down with AFLPlayers.com.au to discuss his development, adjusting to a new city and more.
What was it like to play your first game in Perth since being drafted?
It was a little bit weird, and playing at the new stadium for the first time was pretty awesome. The whole playing in Perth thing was a different experience — it was new to play in my home state, but then have to fly back home the day of the game. It was nice to head back home and catch up with family and friends. As for the game, it was a disappointing result.
What was the noise like?
It was very loud. When the Freo chant started in the second half it was extremely loud, and then they had the little light shows going on. It’s an awesome environment they’ve got going over there and I think that stadium is going to be a tough place to play in the coming years.
What has it been like playing five senior games in a row after playing just two last year?
It’s a pretty cool feeling being able to play. I thought I might be a little bit further off going into the pre-season because I had hip surgery and I was still under weight. I was able to train well for the month or so leading into the season, then was lucky to get the opportunity against GWS up in Canberra. From there I’ve tried to play team footy and have been rewarded with selection.
How much size did you put on over the off-season?
During the off-season, I reckon I got up to 100 kg after being 95. Then I’d say I dropped one because the season started and I’m hovering just below 100. I tend to fluctuate a little bit.
Were you trying to eat anything and everything over the break, or did you stay within the strict confines of an AFL diet?
I try and stick within a diet, but it’s hard to do that when you need to put on weight. I’m basically just eating lots of big meals that contain plenty of protein, and also plenty of shakes.
How many meals a day do you have?
When I was trying to put on more weight over the off-season, I was having five or six meals a day with two protein shakes. The breakdown was sort of three main meals, three snack meals and then two shakes.
Being so tall and standing out, do you walk around and notice people not quite recognising who you are, but assuming you play some sort of professional sport? Do you notice the looks?
I still get asked once a day whether I play basketball or not.
Once a day?
Always! It happens everywhere, whether I’m at a café, or just walking around the street at home. People seem to think I still play basketball, so hopefully I can break that stereotype soon.
So you’ve played seven senior games now… maybe another 20 and people will know who you are.
Yeah, maybe another 20!
Going back to the game in Perth, what was your plan to try and stop Aaron Sandilands?
It’s a difficult one. A lot of ruckmen over the years have been asking themselves that same question! My method going in was to try and stick off him and then move late to try and get that front spot to give myself the best chance to win the hit-out. And even if I didn’t win it, I’ve given myself an opportunity to win it. I was trying to hold off, move late and catch him off guard. Him being one of the best ruckmen to play the game and so experienced, he caught onto it quickly. With him catching on, it became hard for me to try to change my plan on the fly, so it was a difficult task.
