ALL-AUSTRALIAN ruckman Mark Jamar says he wants to be part of Melbourne’s leadership group in 2012.
The 28-year-old spoke of his goal during a media conference at Gosch’s Paddock on Wednesday.
“It’s open until March, when they make the decision [on the leadership group],” he said.
“Every single player has got between now and then to make his impression on the playing group and the coaching group, so it’s all open.
“I’m aiming to become part of the leadership group and I’m focusing on my actions and the way I present myself around the club, the way I train and the way I instruct others around the club.
“That’s been my focus, I’ve been here for 10 years now and this is my 11th pre-season, so that comes with more responsibility I reckon.”
Pressed if he would like to captain the club next year, Jamar said: “I’d like to establish myself as a leader.”
Jamar said Neeld had already made an impact on the players.
“It’s been really good - [Mark’s] straight to the point. You know exactly where you stand,” he said.
“We’ve all been challenged and that’s part of footy. It’s good for every single person to be challenged, because they’re going to get comfortable and they’re always looking to improve. You’re always looking for that next thing to overcome, so it’s pretty important.
“He’s getting around to us individually throughout the pre-season, one-on-one.
“We’ve had a lot of general chats around the weights room and around meetings, but he’s got a very big whole group focus as well. Everyone is very aware of what happens and what goes on.”
Jamar said new elite performance manager Dave Misson was also working the players hard.
“Training’s a lot different now. A lot of set-ups and structures around the club are a lot different,” he said.
“Everyone is enjoying it and we’re all working really hard, but that’s what footy’s all about.
“After six weeks in the off-season away from the club, you come back to training and it’s always a big step-up. I’m really enjoying it and [I’m] just adapting to the new training.”
The 28-year-old spoke of his goal during a media conference at Gosch’s Paddock on Wednesday.
“It’s open until March, when they make the decision [on the leadership group],” he said.
“Every single player has got between now and then to make his impression on the playing group and the coaching group, so it’s all open.
“I’m aiming to become part of the leadership group and I’m focusing on my actions and the way I present myself around the club, the way I train and the way I instruct others around the club.
“That’s been my focus, I’ve been here for 10 years now and this is my 11th pre-season, so that comes with more responsibility I reckon.”
Pressed if he would like to captain the club next year, Jamar said: “I’d like to establish myself as a leader.”
Jamar said Neeld had already made an impact on the players.
“It’s been really good - [Mark’s] straight to the point. You know exactly where you stand,” he said.
“We’ve all been challenged and that’s part of footy. It’s good for every single person to be challenged, because they’re going to get comfortable and they’re always looking to improve. You’re always looking for that next thing to overcome, so it’s pretty important.
“He’s getting around to us individually throughout the pre-season, one-on-one.
“We’ve had a lot of general chats around the weights room and around meetings, but he’s got a very big whole group focus as well. Everyone is very aware of what happens and what goes on.”
Jamar said new elite performance manager Dave Misson was also working the players hard.
“Training’s a lot different now. A lot of set-ups and structures around the club are a lot different,” he said.
“Everyone is enjoying it and we’re all working really hard, but that’s what footy’s all about.
“After six weeks in the off-season away from the club, you come back to training and it’s always a big step-up. I’m really enjoying it and [I’m] just adapting to the new training.”
