Who inspired you to become the footballer I am today?

Good question. First of all just enjoying football with my friends and then through the coaches I’ve had. I’ve had some amazing coaches, Greg Miller was my under 18 coach and then Phil Walsh obviously. And then in recent years Don Pyke and Matty Nicks.

Also my old man helped me get into footy.

How did you pull up after 20 tackles?

Mate I’m pretty sore. The game was really congested, lot of slipping and sliding and a lot of body contact. I’ve taken it pretty easy the last couple days.

Favourite game you’ve played in?

Probably the 2017 prelim against Geelong, that was also my 100th game. Was a fantastic night with family and friends. 

Do you and Sam Berry have a tackle bet?

No, we just seem to run around and get a few. I think he’ll get me pretty soon, he’s a tackling machine.

Are you playing against Sydney?

Yes, yes I definitely will be.

What’s your pre-game go-to snack?

Good question. I usually try and eat the same foods pre-game, but I’m pretty basic. Cereal on game day then a few sandwiches. Maybe a muesli bar, maybe some pretzels. 

Who was your favourite team growing up?

I was an Essendon man. I was actually lucky enough to train there, before I got drafted. I got the best of both worlds, got to stay here with my family.

Favourite West Adelaide player?

Big Bloods man, played there with Brad Crouch and throughout my juniors. Favourite players were probably Daniel Caire, Chris Schmidt, Ryan Ferguson… There were a lot of amazing players I got to play with. 

Who’s the most annoying teammate?

Taylor Walker takes the cake for that pretty easy, or Paul Seedsman isn’t far behind.

Favourite player growing up?

James Hird. I was a big Essendon man growing up so he was fantastic.

Favourite match of the season?

Easy one for that, that was the Showdown. First one back after a broken hand and Jordy Dawson made it pretty memorable.

Do you still get nervous before games?

Yes I do. I’ve played a lot of AFL footy now, but there is always pressure and the expectation to perform.

How does it feel to be the most valuable fantasy player at 1.3 million?

Amazing, I always wanted to strive for that. Massive milestone in my career.

Why didn’t you take the match-winning kick against Port?

I ran away, I probably wouldn’t have made the distance and I saw Jordy Dawson there who is probably our best kick.

Favourite teammate?

They’re all good, favourite is probably Matty Crouch.

What do I do for recovery after a game?

We have a recovery process we do with Darren Burgess. Get in the ice baths, some guys get physio or a massage. The next morning is mobility whether that’s a stretch or a walk. Most guys go down to the beach.

When did you start playing footy?

I started in under nines.

Are you more nervous before a game or doing a fan Q&A?

Probably this. This is pretty daunting.

Who am I most excited for in our team? Who has the most potential?

I think there’s a fair few on the list. Sam Berry is playing fantastic, Harry Schoenberg, Riley Thilthorpe, Jordon Butts, Paddy Parnell down back, Will Hamill is playing well. Good young core group of players.

If I could bring in an opposition player to the Crows, who would I pick and why?

I’d love to play with Buddy Franklin, Dustin Martin, Nat Fyfe, Lachie Neale.

Why do I wear number 29?

I was 46 and there wasn’t too many left that year. I wanted to drop down and was originally going to get 44, which was Corey Enright’s number who was one of my favourite players growing up off half back. I switched to 29 and it’s worked out alright.

Who’s the biggest pest on game day?

I keep to myself on game day with my prep. A lot of guys are pretty focused. Some try and stay more relaxed, some are locked in… just a personal preference.

Highlight of your career?

Probably the 2017 Grand Final and that whole 2017 year.

Is your bromance with Brodie Smith still alive?

No, I try to avoid him. Not a huge fan of Brodie… We don’t talk that much.

Favourite goal?

I haven’t kicked too many. Maybe the one from the boundary against Richmond this year.

Where’s your favourite place to travel when you’re playing away?

That’s a really good question. Besides Adelaide Oval, I love playing on the MCG. I like Marvel Stadium as well. In terms of actual places, Gold Coast is really nice, especially in the winter. I do really enjoy Sydney as well.

Least favourite food?

Anchovies, can’t eat them. Oysters I’m not a huge fan, but I love every other bit of seafood.

Brownlow prediction?

I think Andy Brayshaw is looking really really strong at the moment, having a great year.

Favourite TV show?

Favourite TV show of all time is Entourage. I did love Game of Thrones and currently Stranger Things.

What do you get up to outside of football?

Luke Brown, Ben Keays and I are studying a bachelor of business. Bit of uni and not much else, you get into a routine each year and it goes by really quickly.

Any weird pre-game superstitions?

Yes. I used to have heaps but I’ve dialed them back a bit. I had a lot of OCD with my pre-game stuff. I still wear the same pair of speedos, I obviously wash them. And I never touch the banner. 

If you could bring back any former Crows players, who would it be?

Probably Graham Johncock, off of half back. Maybe Andrew McLeod, both superstars.

Who’s the class clown?

Taylor Walker, Paul Seedsman.

Favourite holiday destination?

New York. I've been there twice. It’s fantastic, I love America and I love American sports.

Favourite restaurant in Adelaide?

Fantastic question. La Trattoria, an Italian one in the city. I love Parwana, I love Concubine for some asian food. 

Do you get sick of going on planes every fortnight?

No, I love the process of playing away. They’re a lot of fun and you get to spend a lot of time with your teammates. 

Can we get a goal celebration?

I don’t do a lot of celebrating. If I’m near the boundary maybe I will but I usually keep it pretty low-key.

What do you think of Ned?

I think Ned is a fantastic person. He lives very close to me so I get to see him around the traps, getting coffee. He’s a great guy.

Do you like aeroplane food?

It’s serviceable.

What’s one thing you think you can improve on?

Probably hitting the scoreboard and getting forward a bit more.

Do you like going fishing or crabbing?

Yeah one of my good mates has a boat, we go fishing a bit. 

What’s your favourite prank you have pulled on a teammate?

I don’t want to give away too many secrets but we put bean bag balls in someone's car… It was Elliott Himmelberg’s and he doesn’t know who did it. Hopefully he doesn’t see this…

What player do you look up to most?

Probably some of my idols growing up like James Hird, Corey Enright… But then also some of the guys I’ve played with like Daniel Talia, Rory Sloane, Taylor Walker.

Who do you hate playing on?

Down back was Luke Breust. He usually toweled me up. Eddie Betts at training when I had to, Robbie Gray. In the midfield some bigger bodies like Nat Fyfe, Patty Cripps. But even guys I said before like Lachie Neale, a star who’s so clean and quick.

What NBA player do you represent most?

I’ve got a pretty good jump shot. I stay out of the paint… maybe Steph Curry, Paul Pierce. Someone like that.

Favourite NBA team and player?

Favourite team is Portland. Favourite player? Dame Lillard probably.

Seinfeld or Friends?

I’ve never seen a lot of either to be honest.

Have you ever tagged anyone?

Yes. I tagged Brent Harvey three or four times. He had a lot of possessions on me one night - we won by a lot and he had three Brownlow votes so that didn’t go down too well.

Favourite NFL team?

Atlanta Falcons. Charlie Cameron and I are huge fans. I’d love to get to a Superbowl.

Do I like the nickname Desk?

Not my favourite but it appears to be catching on a lot. I dare say it’s around to stay.

What’s it like playing with Tex?

It’s an honour and privilege to play with someone who has been as consistent and dominant as Tex has. The way he helps his teammates and plays at a high level is second to none. 

Loudest crowd you’ve witnessed?

Grand Final in 2017. I think there were 105,000 people there and I could not hear 10 metres ahead of me.

What’s your go-to meal?

Big pasta guy.

Loving the midfield switch?

Yes, I love it. I love the challenge that the midfield is and I think some of the guys we’ve got coming in - Schoenberg, Berry, Keays - it’s a really exciting setup in there for years to come.