Hampson interview ...
VIDEO:
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2015-07-23/hampsons-return* I actually think this is the best footy I’ve probably played. It’s been a very consistent year in the VFL.
* Being sort of new to the game when I was drafted, I think it was always going to take a little bit of time to develop into a consistent performer. It’s maybe taken a little bit longer than I would have liked but that’s just the way it is. I started playing footy when I was 16, so it was a bit of a different start for me and there’s a lot to learn – skills, positioning, mental toughness as well. All those things are so important, especially for a position like the ruck, which is the last true one-on-one contest on the ground.
* I haven’t had a great run with injuries. I’ve had some pretty serious injuries that I’ve had to battle through and that hasn’t let me get the consistency in my footy. I think at times, in years past, I’ve had good patches of football which have sometimes been interrupted by injuries. The last two years my body’s been really good and I’m just trying to look after it – rehab, prehab, all the stuff that they want you doing – and it’s been really good.
* I feel like I’m finally maturing and I’m feeling strong. I know I’ve still got a lot more in me as well. It’s just about working hard at training. That’s the only way you’re going to get better. All I’ve got to focus on is contributing to the team, playing my role and, at the end of the day, that’s what’s going to keep me in the team.
* Ivan and I haven’t played together too much. I think there were maybe two games last year and the St Kilda game last weekend was the second game this year. We’ve got to get that sort of team atmosphere, where he’s forward or I’m forward, we switch. It’s going to take time but it’s getting there. We’ve got an opportunity where we can both play some good time in the ruck and both play a little bit of time forward and so we get to save our legs and hopefully work the opposition ruckman over a bit. Ivan always dominant in the ruck when he’s in there and between us we do alright in the hit-outs and hopefully have a bit of an impact forward as well. That’s the plan anyway.
Full article: http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-07-24/hampson-a-late-bloomer
