“IT’S FUNNY how quickly things can change.” 

When Jack Carroll was sitting on the bench as an unused sub in the pre-season practice matches, he wasn’t sure when he was going to get a consistent run at AFL again.

Having only played one game in 2023, the 21-year-old was eager to get his chance again on the big stage, putting in the hard yards over the off and pre-season.

His time came in the second half of Opening Round, and the midfielder wasn’t leaving anything to chance. 

“I think I made a lot of progress this year over the pre-season and then to be able to get some opportunities early in the year, it’s funny how quickly things can change,” Carroll said.  

“I didn’t really play in the practice matches, then as the sub [in Opening Round]  I was fortunate to get a half and I made the most of that. 

“It’s been relatively smooth sailing from there, hopefully [I] can put another good game on the board this weekend.”

Averaging 15 disposals and six contested possessions, Carroll went to work on his strengths in the off-season, taking special interest in what Senior Coach Michael Voss wanted to work on. 

Seeking out Patrick Cripps over the last two off-seasons, the two midfielders trained together, with the captain giving his share of advice and experience to the 21-year-old. 

With the skipper by his side, the Western Australian product was able to take his game to another level, forcing his way into the side with his form. 

“My two main focuses were my pressure and power, driving with my legs, using my strengths and being evasive in the contest,” he said. 

“One of our main things that we go after as a team is our pressure, so really going after that– that’s what ‘Vossy’ wants so that’s what I’ve been going after.”

Part of an impressive midfield group, Carroll admitted that the Gather Round clash with Fremantle was going to be a challenge when it came to the centre of the ground. 

Referencing the star-studded lineup the Dockers boast in the midfield, Carroll noted their upper hand may lay further down the field. 

“I think it’s going to be a really good battle in the midfield this week – they’ve had Caleb Serong who has been killing it, but then Hayden Young and Andy Brayshaw, I think it’s going to be a pretty big battle inside,” he said.  

“It definitely is a good feeling as a mid knowing that you can just bomb it down there and Harry or Charlie will mark it – it’s a dream come true for a midfielder.”

Speaking on the work that Harry McKay has put in at the Club, the 21-year-old said the entire group couldn’t be happier with the results he’s putting out on the field.

McKay’s straight goal kicking has been confidence boosting not only for himself, but for all his teammates watching on. 

“With Harry, it’s been such a good feeling this year, every time he marks it inside 50, you just know it’s pretty much going through, so he’s had a really good start to the year and all the boys are really happy for it,” he said. 

“Finishing on goal affects the whole team. We’ve been pretty accurate as a whole over the last few weeks and when your big forwards are the guys who run the forward line and finishing it off, it makes everyone else stand that bit taller.”