ZAC Fisher isn’t a man of too many words, but a wide smile speaks for itself when asked out about training in front of the Carlton faithful on Wednesday morning at Ikon Park. Imagine how it will be, then, for the speedy midfield in front of the predicted crowd of over 90,000 at the MCG tonight.

Aside from sheer numbers, the weight of the team the Blues will come up against is heavy in itself: the reigning premiers. That factor doesn’t seem to faze Fisher, though.

“That was last year,” he said.

In his second year at the Blues, the recruit from York, Western Australia, exudes quiet confidence.

“I’m really happy here at the Blues,” Fisher said.

“I’m living with a few of the players, and I’ve a lot of good support with family and friends here.

“I’m really settled in and loving life at the moment in terms of football, and I’m really excited for where the club is heading.

“I’m happy to be a part of that.” 

Zac Fisher has completed his second pre-season with the Club. (Photo: AFL Photos)

The 19-year-old played 17 games for Carlton in his first season. He was rewarded for his debut effort with a contract extension until the end of 2020. How will he build on his first year with the Club?

“Having a year of understanding the game plan and the knowledge of the Club, I’ve been able to focus on my own strengths and just play football on instinct,” he said.

“Going out there and being really clear on what I have to do.

“I’ve had an uninterrupted pre-season so far, so I’ve been able to get the good volume into my legs and really focus on what I need to improve on leading into the season,” he said.

“I’ve really started to focus on my strengths with using my speed and having impact going forward,” he said.

The midfielder hit the scoreboard for the Blues in the 2017 season and did the same during the JLT Community Series. He’s also shown ability defensively, leading Carlton for pressure acts against GWS in Round 16 last year. Versatility as a player is very important, according to Fisher.

“I’ve picked up the midfield craft and played more inside through the pre-season, so being able to play both roles will help me have that impact,” he said.

“I think versatility is very important. Being able to play more than one role, in terms of team selection, gives the opposition something to think about.

“They don’t know what match-ups we’re going to go with, so that becomes another factor.

“If something’s not working in the forward line, to be able to have a hit in the midfield and get in the game is very important,” Fisher said.

According to Fisher, his speed makes up for his small build (he is 175cm tall).

“My flair would be my speed around the ball,” he said.

“I’m not the biggest size so having to play to my strengths, using my speed and my smarts of the game and having a good left leg helps.”

Fisher has gained a maturity in his playing style. In his first appearance in the JLT Series, he put in 17 disposals and three tackles for the Blues. He said he has looked to other Carlton players for inspiration in his own gameplay.

“More so this year I’ve really looked up to Patrick Cripps,” Fisher said.

“I played a lot of forward last year, but this year getting hits through the midfield, I’ve come to him with my craft and what I wanted to work on.

“It’s a good way to model yourself and play against someone at the top level.

“Him being a contested beast – other teams will have players like him - so being able to train and practise on how I will be with opposition on him is really good for my development.”

Fisher’s connection to Carlton runs deep, with retired Carlton favourite Dennis Armfield his third cousin. Despite being unaware of the connection until a few years ago, the two had Christmas together last year. Fisher said it was helpful to have family at the Club when he came over from Western Australia.

Zac Fisher celebrates a goal with Jack Silvagni in Carlton's JLT win over the Hawks. (Photo: AFL Photos)

“He [Armfield] didn’t really know he had family on the other side,” Fisher said.

“When I got drafted it was good to have him at the Club especially.”

Fisher said he has developed a strong relationship with the coaching group, including stoppages coach Dale Amos and midfield coach Tim Clarke.

“I feel like I have a pretty good relationship with the coaches. They know I like to enjoy myself but when it comes down to it I put my head down and work hard,” he said.

Tonight, Fisher will run out with his teammates against reigning premier Richmond. With a solid debut effort and exciting JLT performances behind him, Fisher has a clear idea of what Carlton spectators can expect at the MCG tonight.

“I think you can expect a lot of pressure from the whole team. We’re very hungry and determined. We’re not going there to lose, so we’re going to come in with a winning mentality, and then like as we’ve trained, that ball movement.

“It will be exciting to watch.”