Williamstown Forward Patrick Rose sits down with the Seagulls Tall Defender Jackson Barling and asks him a few in-depth questions about what makes Jacko tick.
Jackson Barling- Number 2 for Williamstown
What made you want to come back to Williamstown this season after your time in Adelaide last year?
Basically all the people involved with the Williamstown football club (players and support staff) just a great club to be at. I don’t regret my time an Adelaide, I really enjoyed my season for west Adelaide, but one year was enough for me. Melbourne is also a better environment and place to live in my opinion
How have you found the coaching staff and how does a coach get the best out of you?
Fantastic! Firstly they have shown a lot of trust in me to allow me to manage my hip during the week with minimal training. The main influences are Sadde ‘dolce’ Ghazi who is well respected within the playing group and is a coach that you want to play for. He is a great communicator and also good with one on one feedback. Andy Hayman is also great with his knowledge on opponents each week and also is very helpful with body positioning. Luke Boyd is also very professional and helpful with fitness and recovery. The Coaches get the best out of me by informing me on my weaknesses and helping me improve as a player.
What are your goals for the season, both personally and for the club? Why can Williamstown win the flag in 2008?
Personally I want to play consistent, successful and enjoyable football with my mates! Every club plays footy to play in finals and hopefully grand finals, I'm sure playing in VFL reserves and seniors grand finals is everyone’s goal for the 2008 season.
Apart from yourself of course, who are the players to watch at Williamstown this year? Why? Who is your tip for the Williamstown Best-and-Fairest?
Meyer – unstoppable, Jolley – pressure, reliability, Street – outstanding, consistent, Stretton – confident, Ward – superstar, Johnson – classy, Rose – strong, electrifying, My tip for the Best-and-fairest is Liam Picken he is a absolute ‘Battle Horse’ and a delight to watch.
Who has been the most difficult opponent you’ve ever played on? Why? Which teams will be the toughest opponents this year?
Brant Chambers Sturt SANFL, quick, strong, smart footballer. Toughest team at Reserves level – Coburg, Senior level – North Ballarat
Who is the biggest ‘character’ around the club? The one who annoys you the most!? Why? What are their worst habits?
Tanner! Tanner! Tanner! His backline meetings last 7 minutes everytime and he is always winning ‘WFCPL’ poker which really chaps my ass.
What does playing for Williamstown FC mean to you?
Mateship and Enjoyment.
What do you do with yourself away from football?
I have really got into the poker this year, we play weekly ‘WFCPL’ and will be staging a big grand final tournament at the end of the year. Also just chilling with the boys, movies, bbq’s, tennis and golf.
We have heard you have fallen in love, is this true?
Ah ha, bit of friendly banter hey! Gee wizz, her name is Olivia and she is a lovely young lady!
Where do you live?
I live in Williamstown
What’s your favourite food/drink?
Coke and pink donuts
Who are the key players in helping Willy win the 2008 premiership?
Many players are contributing throughout the list, the main players I believe are Meyer, Rose, Picken, Johnson, Langlands, Street, Ward, Cook, Little, Lockwood, Tiller, Jolley, Boyd, Greene, McKenzie.
Whose game do you model yourself on in the AFL?
I don’t really model my game on anyone, there are no unco stupid players in the AFL, I do enjoy watching Jonathon Brown, Buddy Franklin and Juddy. Maybe Jason ‘the Chief’ Dunstall in his heyday when he had hair.
Associate one word with these players
Greene - Culmination
Cook - Country hardness
Grossman - Butter Dick
McKenzie - Stink
Georgiadis - Darkest legal, worst rig, reptile
Last Modified on 05/08/2008 11:50