Kane Johnson interview
* A game they didn't win but we lost. We weren't as disciplined as in past weeks against Adelaide and Geelong. Need to work on that during this week.
* A touch too slow too early before the end of the game because we didn't get blokes out enough. Didn't work hard enough to present and the blokes with the footy didn't hit their targets often enough.
* Cogs and Tuck were very good. A very even team performance. We just dropped away towards the end with our workrate.
* Main role at the moment is shutdown the opposition's best midfielder - Judd, Black, Carr etc.. Judged on that. Felt he is doing but should be getting more of the ball. Happy with his defensive efforts but not his offensive form.
* Finals not a bonus. We should be striving for the Top 8 every year. No guarantees (just ask Geelong). If we win the next two games we'll be a good show for September. Not waiting for the young guys.
* More games we get into the kids the better they will be but we'll play our best 22. Hope injuries are kind. You can struggle carrying 6 guys who have hardly played a AFL game.
* We've got a good structure in place which allows the young guys can come in and do a job - Polo, Meyer, Patto, etc.. If we can get 18-20 games into them that's a bonus.
* Had hamstring problems all his career. Confident he'll get over them now. Believes with the speed of the game, 28+ year olds will experience more of these fatigue injuries as contact injuries reduce. Hopes the AFL doesn't restrict the number of interchances. A 6 minute break each quarter really helps reduce fatigue.
* We want to develop a close knit group and we're getting close to that now. This was illustrated after we copped the two hidings we could bounce back the next week. A credit to our leadership group however our leadership is 27-28 year olds. Need our younger leadership group to come through.
* Players given more ownership this year thanks to Terry. Richo being more team-orientated an example of that.
* In his lock-down roles he so focussed on his opponent at times that he doesn't always have full knowledge of what is going on around the ground. That's why we have a leadership group. He still talks to the guys though.
* To develop the young leaders you need to back off and let them have their say. To get them to have the confidence to speak up. Meyer has improve in that area. Patto, Polo, Lids, etc... Good we can talk things out then all move in the one direction.
* Roos have played all the top sides so far and have been in pretty good form without winning. 2 wins not a true reflection of their form. We haven't beaten them in 5 years.
* Being favourites this week will be a test of maturity. Not to believe the papers. One of the most important games of the year.
