EMERGING Demon Rohan Bail catches up with melbournefc.com.au following his impressive round one performance

The coaches were pleased with your performance in round one. What has the feedback been like?

RB: When I was speaking to Westy (Scott West), he was pleased with my positioning, but there were a few learning points as well. It was all positive stuff, which I need to keep working on.

Can you talk about the role you were given and how did you rate your game?

RB: I was given the role to mind Josh Kennedy in the midfield, who is an important clearance player for the Swans. I was reasonably happy and I learned a lot about positioning. I don’t think he was able to get too much easy ball, which was good.

How did this role come about leading into the match?

RB: Over the last few weeks of the pre-season, I was given roles against players like Simon Black and Shaun Burgoyne. I’ve been trying to develop and learn that role, so the coaches can see that I’ve hopefully improved in that area.

Do you expect to play run-with roles regularly this season?

RB: Hopefully. I really want to learn a lot about the role and positioning. I hope to be able to stop players at clearances and, when the time is right, get away and use my running ability. Hopefully this can hurt the opposition the other way. I started training with the backs, but came into the mids during the pre-season matches - probably a month and a half to two months. I’ll be playing the flanks and wings and in the middle.

Have you had many stopping/run-with roles in the past?

RB: Last year, I played some roles across half-back and some stopping roles. Earlier in the year, I played some games as a defensive forward, so it was a different stopping role.

How much self-belief did you get from the opening round?

RB: A lot. I learned a lot in the midfield, by starting on ball. Having a really close game in a pressure game - and trying not to let them score - was a really good learning experience for everyone.

Your pre-season was very good. How much has this helped your self-belief entering this season?  

RB: Quite a bit. Staying injury-free and getting stronger in the gym has helped. I’ve got a few kms in the legs, so that’s helped.

Having just played your 11^th AFL match, what was your overall feeling as an AFL player at the end of last year as opposed to entering 2011? 

RB: Much the same. At the end of August, I’d played a few games at the end of the season. Then I thought to myself that I’d set some goals and stay injury-free. So my mindset didn’t change too much. I just came into round one with a confident outlook, by trying to play my role. I really want to stick to my task and do my bit for the team.

Now in your third season, how do you feel as an AFL player?

RB: I feel a lot more comfortable, as opposed to my first and even my second year. I feel part of the group and I’m able to speak up a lot more now - whether it’s banter or constructive talk around the footy club. On the field, I feel a lot more part of it as well, which helps your confidence. The first year was a bit of a write-off, but to have an OK year last year, barring injury and to be retained on the list, has given me confidence. So I’m feeling good about the upcoming weeks and months.

You mentioned being retained on the list. Did you feel your position on the list was in doubt?

RB: I never felt unsure, but I know it’s a fickle world, so to have an opportunity on the list, like everyone here - I can’t take it for granted. I’m taking every opportunity possible and looking forward to the year ahead.