IF LOADING up on carbohydrates before a big game is a good way to build up energy levels then Werribee Football Clubs Robbie Castello is in for a quality VFL season.
The 23-year-old comes from a traditional Italian family, where pasta is not just a meal, it is a ritual.
I put a bit of pressure on mum she knows there has got to be a bit of pasta ready for me the night before the game, he said.
I live with mum and dad so I have got it pretty easy here.
I get home from training and there is dinner on the table for me.
The Keilor Park resident was recently given the Tigers vice-captaincy for the second year running, overlooked for the top job in favour of fellow stalwart Dominic Gleeson, but Castello said Gleeson was the right man for the role.
You cant look at a better captain and a more dedicated bloke than Dom Gleeson so it will be good to work with him.
I am still learning a lot, hopefully one year I might get the captaincy role well see what happens but for now I am happy with Dom getting the role and working with him and I hope we can have a successful year.
Castello, renowned for his hard running, in and under style of play is also a very team orientated man, dedicated to the Tigers cause. Throughout the week he works as the Junior Development Officer visiting schools and the like to promote sport and education but on the weekends he can be found pretty much anywhere on the field.
I like to think I am a midfielder but Simon (Atkins) tends to throw me around everywhere so I find myself up forward or down back.
I think this year I am hoping to play more midfield and go up forward kick a few goals but if I am needed down back I will go down back.
Werribee coach Simon Atkins highlighted Castellos versatility.
He is really improved as a player, he said.
We have been able to develop him as a midfielder and he has got a really good strike rate on quick forwards.
We have been able to really use him as an advantage for us and when he goes forward he is able to have shots at goal.
I like to have blokes that are versatile and we can throw them in different areas -that is the way I coach.
Atkins said it was a tough choice for the captaincy this season.
It was a tough call between both of them (Castello and Gleeson). The one thing that Robbie really brings the footy club is his excitement. He has got a real passion for the game and the footy club and that really comes through in his leadership.
As a junior, Castello started out at Keilor Park Football club in his home suburb and
spent a year with the Calder Cannons playing in a TAC Cup premiership side but his AFL dream took a blow at the seasons end.
Obviously after Calder Cannons every kid wants to play AFL and it is always been one of my childhood dreams but it didnt fall that way.
He did a preseason with the Bulldogs in 2007 but did not make the cut before he took a punt at Werribee as one of his mates knew CEO Mark Penaluna.
If Castello rocking up to Werribee was a punt then the odds were definitely in his favour.
I didnt know anyone there, I just had a crack in 2004, had a pretty good year, won the reserves best and fairest and played a few senior games - got a bit of a taste for it.
Then two years later I won the seniors best and fairest.
Now he is heading into his sixth year at the club as he searches for his first VFL premiership.
We're looking to take that next step further from last year.
Obviously the first aim is to make the final eight and then reassess from there.
As a game plan you'll probably see a very quick and fit side - we've got a lot of good young kids coming through.
Personally, Castellos goals are more modest and, true to form, they revolve around the good of the team.
I would just like to have a consistent season and stay injury free, I believe I can add strength to the side to help us go that one step further.
Opposition teams can take note, Castello is in the process of wrapping up his best preseason in four years.
Its been a quite a solid preseason all the boys have worked pretty hard so we're in pretty good stead and cant wait for round one.
The club hasn't had success for a long time now so we are sort of trying to create our own bit of history.
Last Modified on 09/06/2009 22:19