A start is Polo's goal 9:55:57 AM Wed 8 March, 2006
Jason Phelan
Exclusive to richmondfc.com.au
Steady improvement has been the theme of Dean Polo's football career since the Tigers used pick 20 in the 2004 NAB AFL National Draft to secure the services of the talented but raw midfield prospect.
He had cemented a place in the Coburg senior side midway through last year and was named as an emergency for Richmond's final two games. The one thing he feels he needs to continue the upward trend this season is an opportunity.
It's something the 19-year-old from Wy Yung in Gippsland craves more than anything after working hard to better himself in the off-season.
"Where I'm at, at the moment - not yet playing a senior game - it's all about just getting that opportunity to really prove myself," Polo says.
"I've been really happy with myself this pre-season, but I just want to keep on improving - I'm just waiting for the opportunity to go out there and show what I've got. When it comes I just want to take it and give it my best shot.
"This year I'm definitely fitter and stronger and I've put on a bit more weight since last year. I definitely feel like I've improved in all areas - I'm a better player than I was this time last year."
Polo underwent an honest self-assessment in the off-season and has a clear picture of which areas are going well and what he needs to work on.
"My endurance has been pretty good, but I'm still looking to put on a little bit more weight," he says.
"My strength is probably the ability to find space and read the play, but I need to work on my kicking. It's definitely come a long way since last year, I've been working with Dale Weightman doing extra sessions and it's really helped."
Despite making the transition from country to city living with relative ease, Polo admits to being a little daunted by his first few weeks at Punt Road.
"It's a lot easier going into a pre-season once you've got one under your belt because you know what to expect," he says.
"Last year it was a pretty scary thought, going into an AFL pre-season not knowing how hard to push yourself, but this year it's been heaps better knowing how hard you can push yourself before you break. Knowing that, it's a lot easier to get the best out of yourself.
"I coped pretty well with moving from the country. At the start you do miss your family and your friends and all that, but it didn't take too long for me to settle in. I seemed to settle in pretty easily and I'm loving Melbourne and not really missing home anymore."
Polo is enjoying the challenge of being a part of a new generation at the club and says the competition for places is healthy.
"There's a lot of young guys all under 21 at the club and all fighting for the same spots, so it can be difficult, but I'm just trying to do my best to break into the side," he says.
"The group of youngsters down at Tigerland all seem to be playing and improving as we go along, so it's really good."
http://richmondfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=249867
