Howe finished seventh in Melbourne’s best and fairest this year. Now heading into his third AFL season, he expects to take his game to another level. And he has already been earmarked by the club’s coaching staff as a player to watch out for in 2013.
“My second year, with another pre-season [completed], I got a lot of confidence out of playing - especially being able to play every game this year,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“My game has gone to another level, and that’s due to confidence.
“I just feel comfortable in the group now and I’m continually trying to work on my game and again, going into my third pre-season, I’m looking on improving my game as much as I can.”
Although Howe has relished every moment of being an AFL player, he conceded the year was taxing.
“It’s great fun playing footy every week and being around the guys,” he said.
“It’s a disappointing year - it’s disappointing mentally - but you’ve got to get yourself up every week and get yourself motivated, which I find really easy personally. But being a disappointing year and only winning the four games - it takes its toll.
“It’s the end of a long season, and it’s been a pretty disappointing one. It ended up going pretty quick - the second time around. I’ve just got to try and move on now and look forward to pre-season.”
Although claimed as a mature age player - the now 22 year-old was selected at No. 33 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft - Howe said it was still never easy moving interstate from family and friends.
“I’m close to my family back home, so I have constant phone calls with Dad and Mum and they manage to talk me around every week. So if I’m feeling flat, they’re only a phone call away,” he said.
“Last year was harder than this year - I settled in pretty quick when I first came over and moved in with a couple of the guys and now I’m living with Jordie McKenzie.
“Coming from Tassie, the first year went really quick last year, and this year has gone even quicker. I’m enjoying it and loving it, and hopefully I’ll start getting some results soon. But I still love it.”
Having played up forward in his first year in 2011, Howe spent greater time in the midfield this year. Next year, he wants to step up further in the midfield, as well as playing in attack.
“Getting a bit more in the midfield, due to my second year and getting a bit more endurance and fitness in the tank - playing up the ground was good and using my marking was to my advantage,” Howe said.
“Playing up the ground was definitely good - you get the best of both worlds - using my marks to advantage, playing on midfielders.
“As long as I get a role in the midfield and then play in the forward line as well, I’m pretty happy as well.”
Howe, who was an electrician in Tasmania before joining Melbourne, said it seemed a long time ago, but he recently helped out a teammate in that area.
“I recently chucked in a few power points at Riv’s house, so I just kept familiarising myself with the tools. It was the first job I’d done since I moved here,” he said.
