WHEN Brent Moloney says he is in the best nick of his football career, it’s worth noting.
It can be a cliché around this time of the year, when players say they are having their best pre-season, but in Moloney’s case - you listen.
The hard-at-it midfielder has had more than his share of injury frustrations in the middle to latter part of last decade.
But he has bounced back in the past two seasons, playing 39 of the past 44 matches in 2009-10 - a far cry from just 25 matches from 2006-08.
“I haven’t missed a session and I’ve been pulled out of a couple of drills - just to watch my load,” Moloney told melbournefc.com.au.
“The body feels great and it’s the best I’ve felt ever, so I’m just taking every day as it comes and working hard. I’m just trying to get the best out of myself.
“It was pretty frustrating in 2006-07 and half of 2008 when I was on the sidelines. I wasn’t able to train each day, so it’s just a blessing to come to training now, so I couldn’t ask for much more.”
Since returning from China in late October, Moloney said the bond built by the players had gone to another level, which has created a strong pre-season.
“We went over there as teammates and came back as mates, so that’s what we got out of the trip, mostly,” he said.
“The bond was strong and I believe that’s what makes successful teams on and off the field.”
The first full pre-season at AAMI Park has also added an extra dimension, according to Moloney.
“We’ve got first-class facilities and I just think it’s really helped us with managing our time,” he said.
“Now we train and then go straight into the pool for recovery. Then we have a meeting, some lunch and then another meeting, so it’s all in the one spot. It’s been fantastic. We’ve been doing two sessions a day.
“The guys have come back in really good nick and the actual intensity of training has really gone up. We’re getting some quality sessions in before Christmas, so we’re really looking forward to the season.”
Moloney, who turns 27 in January, is now Melbourne’s fourth oldest player on its list, behind Brad Green (29), Aaron Davey (27) and Mark Jamar (27).
He is relishing being one of the leaders at the club and is eager to see others progress.
“Everyone has to step up, and you can’t rely on just one or two guys to steer the ship,” Moloney said.
“We’ve got some really good emerging leaders with Nathan Jones, Jack Grimes, Mark Jamar, James Frawley and Colin Sylvia. That’s just to name a few.”
It can be a cliché around this time of the year, when players say they are having their best pre-season, but in Moloney’s case - you listen.
The hard-at-it midfielder has had more than his share of injury frustrations in the middle to latter part of last decade.
But he has bounced back in the past two seasons, playing 39 of the past 44 matches in 2009-10 - a far cry from just 25 matches from 2006-08.
“I haven’t missed a session and I’ve been pulled out of a couple of drills - just to watch my load,” Moloney told melbournefc.com.au.
“The body feels great and it’s the best I’ve felt ever, so I’m just taking every day as it comes and working hard. I’m just trying to get the best out of myself.
“It was pretty frustrating in 2006-07 and half of 2008 when I was on the sidelines. I wasn’t able to train each day, so it’s just a blessing to come to training now, so I couldn’t ask for much more.”
Since returning from China in late October, Moloney said the bond built by the players had gone to another level, which has created a strong pre-season.
“We went over there as teammates and came back as mates, so that’s what we got out of the trip, mostly,” he said.
“The bond was strong and I believe that’s what makes successful teams on and off the field.”
The first full pre-season at AAMI Park has also added an extra dimension, according to Moloney.
“We’ve got first-class facilities and I just think it’s really helped us with managing our time,” he said.
“Now we train and then go straight into the pool for recovery. Then we have a meeting, some lunch and then another meeting, so it’s all in the one spot. It’s been fantastic. We’ve been doing two sessions a day.
“The guys have come back in really good nick and the actual intensity of training has really gone up. We’re getting some quality sessions in before Christmas, so we’re really looking forward to the season.”
Moloney, who turns 27 in January, is now Melbourne’s fourth oldest player on its list, behind Brad Green (29), Aaron Davey (27) and Mark Jamar (27).
He is relishing being one of the leaders at the club and is eager to see others progress.
“Everyone has to step up, and you can’t rely on just one or two guys to steer the ship,” Moloney said.
“We’ve got some really good emerging leaders with Nathan Jones, Jack Grimes, Mark Jamar, James Frawley and Colin Sylvia. That’s just to name a few.”
