Re: JLT 2018: Carlton vs St Kilda at Ikon on Wednesday
Reply #43 –
My mail is Fisher is struggling a bit with 2nd year blues, despite some of the recent player interviews that suggest he is flying.
1st year players get as close to a golden run as is possible in the AFL, opponents and team-mates just haven't seen enough of them yet. But by their 2nd year it's all documented and recorded, your tricks are out of the bag and they know your weakness. Even your own coaches word up team-mates on what to do to push your training so you get better or fail.
I've had a chat with a couple of past AFL players, guys on the fringe, and they have both mentioned how brutal your own team-mates can be at training. They put you to the sword to make sure when you're out there standing side by side you won't fold. Nobody wants to do the work and be let down by one of their own, it's the most team deflating thing that can happen. The amount of competition and pressure coming from within a club is a shock to new AFL recruits.
But it's not a surprise if true, there is a lot of work to be done in your 2nd pre-season, strength and weight gains are a must, addressing shortcomings in your own game, learning tactics to deal with the increased opposition scrutiny in your 2nd season. It's so common for kids to stall as they get the long term stuff in place.
Add to that Fisher's natural advantage was his speed and skills, but we've picked up a bunch of fast inside types over the last pre-season giving him some significant competition for a spot.
But I have no doubt if he can remain durable he'll be a long term player.