Port Adelaide vice-captain Willem Drew is excited for Round 1 this Sunday against North Melbourne, with the midfielder feeling ready after a productive pre-season.
Drew was voted co-vice-captain this year, alongside Zak Butters, with the 27-year-old honoured to accept the leadership position.
Speaking to the Adelaide media on Tuesday, he discussed the upcoming game against the Kangaroos, how the football club feels different this season and how he’s grown as a leader.
Drew on Round 1 this Sunday
“Definitely (looking forward to it). It’s been a long pre-season. Been a really enjoyable one, and obviously now we get to crack in a Round 1, which the whole club's really excited about. So, yeah, really looking forward to Sunday.”
Drew on the changes at the football club
“Yeah, there's been a lot of change around the footy club, which has been really enjoyable and a freshen up. I suppose we've brought in a lot of new coaches, some new players, so it's been good to learn a lot of new things. And yeah, I suppose we're all in the same boat with new coaches coming in, getting to know them and they're getting to know us. So it's been a really, really pleasing and enjoyable pre-season.”
Drew on Josh Carr as a senior coach
“Absolutely loved him as a midfield coach, just the way he went about things and little tips and hints he gave us. He's very similar as a head coach, very calm, always asking what we're feeling and what we're seeing out there, even though it's only pre-season training. But now we've played a couple of games. And just a great people person and great at making relationships. It's been good.”
Drew on his own pre-season
“I think last year had an interrupted pre-season with two different surgeries, so this year it's been pleasing to be able to complete pretty much every session. And yeah, I feel like I've got good confidence in my body and the way I've gone about my training. I've really enjoyed the pre-season. I think it does make a difference when you can't complete a full pre-season, and you probably don't realise it at the time, but just the amount of work that you're able to get in into your legs and that fitness really comes into it. So again, it's been a really enjoyable aspect of this pre-season.”
Drew on Stuart Dew as his midfield coach
“It’s been really great to get to know him. And he's obviously got a lot of experience playing and coaching, and for us as a midfield group, we've loved having him in charge, and really looking forward to getting into the year.”
Drew on Stuart Dew expecting him to have a big impact this year
“Yeah, it feels great (hearing him say that). (Playing forward) is probably a part of my game that I've trying to develop, and hopefully I can take that into the year. I'm happy just sort of doing my role, and if that's defensively or offensively, just trying to be an all-round sort of player and do my thing.”
Drew on being a defensive midfielder the last few years
“I think different games probably required different things for me, and I'm more than happy to put my hand up and probably had the trust of the coaches to do that job as well. So, no, I don't think I was pigeon-holed at all.”
Drew on Miles Bergman coming back into the midfield this week
“I think it just brings another player who's got great speed, great power, can play different roles in that midfield or different positions as well. So, yeah, he's going to be a real benefit to the midfield group, for sure.”
Drew on getting the best out of the midfield this year
“We've got some elite players in there who are really special. And it's probably just about us, probably gelling a little bit more together and working with each other to get the best out of the whole group. And that's something that we’ve touched on this pre-season.”
Drew on Jack Watkins’ development
“Jack’s been super. He’s had a great pre-season and ever since he came to the club, even last year playing in the SANFL. He's hard working, reliable, a trustworthy teammate, and you know what you're going to get. So yeah, it was good for him to get a go on the weekend. And he's definitely put his hand up for selection. So it's exciting. I think for him, wherever he's played well, whether it’s in the VFL, the SANFL or this AFL pre-season. He's been training really well, so he knows he can do it. He's got confidence in himself, and he's backed that up. So it's exciting for him, and he's very deserving of a spot on the list, for sure.”
Drew on supporting Jason Horne-Francis against his former club
“I think for Jason, he's obviously dealt with (the booing) for a little while now, so he'll have some things in place himself to be able to be able to deal with that, and for us as teammates, it’s about supporting him, and trying to keep him in the game. And you know when he's out there, he's very competitive, so I’ve got no doubt he'll be focused on the game and wanting to play well. He'll love the challenge, and he’s looking forward to it.”
Drew on being co-vice-captain this season
“I guess it’s a little bit (different). I suppose it's just probably an extra title there as well. But I’m extremely honoured to be vice-captain of this footy club. For me, looking back on my journey where I started to where I'm now, it's very pleasing. I love the club, love the group, and just excited to get into this year and see how we go.
Drew on his growth as a leader
“I feel like you don't have to change too much, you’re in there for a reason obviously, sort of voted in, and the coaches see that as well. So for me, it's just about being myself and really bringing out my strengths and trying to bring out the strengths in others as well.”
