Going by this old newspaper article from the early 80s, Plough was destined to become a senior coach....
Terry's a space-age footballerBy Bruce Matthews
The Sun
Friday, May 6, 1983
IN this age of increasing professionalism in football, Hawthorn centreman Terry Wallace certainly hasn't been left behind.
Like the coaches he uses electronic gadgetry in an attempt to stay a step ahead of the opposition.
Wallace spends his rare spare time watching video tapes of matches to access prospective opponents.
The homework must be working too as the busy Hawk has shot to the lead in Sunscore and hopes to stretch the margin after his 100th league game against North Melbourne tomorrow.
"During the week I spend some time sitting in front of the tv and try to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the players from the video replays," Wallace explained before training last night.
"The game is so professional now. There are no easy games now at either the team or individual level.
"It's nice to think I have reached 100 but really the next milestone is to go out there on Saturday and get a kick."
Wallace knows how to collect the odd possession of the football during a match - he was credited with 36 kicks and nine handpasses in a losing team last week.
Critics from some quarters claim that he wastes part of that impressive possessions tally with sloppy disposal.
But the fact remains that anyone would have to be pleased if a player sent the ball in his team's direction on an average of once every two minutes during an afternoon.
No one can fault Wallace's football preparation as he's one of the hardest workers around the Glenferrie Oval and has the mental strength to carry injuries through a match.
The sound of last year's grand final siren had barely faded when the 24-year-old started the build-up for 1983.
He always places great emphasis on pre-season training and ran 10km around the roads near his Eltham home each night of the week over summer.
Wallace explained the tortuous preparation when he said: "I'm not quick but I can run all day.
"I'm not going to get any quicker so basically my aim is to be fitter than the others."
His life revolves on sport so much that it's not unusual for the centreman to be seen rushing out the door after training early in the week still in his football gear on the way to play basketball.
He plays basketball three nights a week and tonight is the only time he sets aside in a week to relax before a match.
"Actually, the basketball is often beneficial early in the week because it helps run out the aches and pains from the weekend's game."
