Q: We had a goalless first half, and some fans were wondering if we were ever going to kick a major. Then you provided that great tap to Eddie Betts for the first goal. Walk us through the piece of play.
A: It was a pretty disappointing first half and the ball was coming down pretty solidly to the back half. Ratts said to me at half time you’re going forward. So to get that tap to Eddie was pretty exciting. In the end, it was just good for the side to get the goal.
Q: The game against Adelaide was obviously pretty disappointing. In your view, what went wrong?
A: In the end, we didn’t carry out any of the structures we had planned and Adelaide suffocated us. That first half was pretty bad, and while we were better in 2nd half the damage was done by then.
Q: You've seen some disappointments in your Carlton career. For a fan in 2009, this week's game ranks up there. How are the players viewing it?
A: We’ve had a rollercoaster season, but you have to remember that we have played some good footy too. This week we have had a pretty light week on the track with an emphasis on our skills and all I can say is that we are really looking forward to playing West Coast on Friday night.
Q: Some fans say that you'd make a good key forward. What do you say to that – have you ever played there before?
A: I played junior footy down forward, but not so much in my Carlton days. I guess I’ve had a couple of cameos in pre season games, but who knows what the season holds? I guess it might be nice to move forward and show what I can do. Ratts has said that in a few weeks I might be a bit of a swinger from both ends.
Q: You came off the rookie list, but have played nearly 150 games. With the benefit of hindsight why do you think you weren't drafted?
A: I’m not really sure. You have to remember that was a very strong draft with the Judds and the Bartels and so on. So I am not really sure. I wouldn’t change it anyway though. The rookie list is such a good grounding for a young player. For example, young Aaron Joseph has come in off the rookie list and is making a real difference to the team.
Q: We have a couple of must-win games coming up against West Coast and Brisbane. What does the team need to do to get back on track and give ourselves the best chance in the next fortnight?
A: We’ve really got to start taking the game on more. Our skills were really disappointing against Adelaide, so we need to hit our skills a lot better. We’ll give ourselves a good chance in both those games.
Q: How has being a defender in struggling sides shaped you as a footballer?
A: That’s a good question. A lot of work over my career as a whole has been with the ball coming down a fair bit. But that makes you play on the great players and it means that you are always in the game. It has been pretty full on down back during my time with the club. The Halls and Browns and Lloyds are all great players and I’ve played on all of them.
Q: You've played on talls, plus had roles on shorter more mobile players. Which do you think you're best suited to?
A: I enjoy playing on the key forwards, but also enjoy playing on the smalls. It could be a bit of a strength of mine being able to play on both those types of players. In the end, I am not sure which I am suited to. I just enjoy the role I am given.
Q: We had some great wins interstate last year, but we're zip from 3 in 2009. Should we alter the preparation? Do you think we should try going a day earlier or later?
A: Because we’ve had a couple of losses, there may be something new we’ll try against Brisbane in another week. So yes, I think we’ll probably look at doing something a little different.
Q: What’s some of the more interesting music some of the players listen to before the game? Any Pussycat Dolls fans?
A: With all the iPods in the changerooms it’s a bit antisocial before the game. The young lads are led by Eddie and Mitch Robinson - they love rap and Eminem and all that sort of stuff. I’m a bit more old fashioned, so I listen to some sort of 80’s music, anything from that era.
Q: The club seems to call you T-Bird. Is this your nickname, and if not, what do they call you?
A: That is my nickname. It’s a legacy from Glenn Manton, but I am not sure how it came about. All I can tell you is that he had a Thunderbird in his car, then he just came in one day and said T-Bird to me, and it sort of stuck from there.
Q: All things going well, you'll be a record holder for the number of games in guernsey 32 at the end of next year. Do you know much about its history?
A: I’ve been lucky enough to meet Glascott and Green. They are two great players who have worn that guernsey. As far as being a great in that guernsey… well, I have a lot of footy to play yet. So I wouldn’t call myself a great or anything. But I will say it has been an absolute privilege to play in the guernsey and to play for the Club, and I hope to continue for many years to come.
At the end of the interview Mike and Dan were impressed with Bret’s thoughts on where we went wrong against Adelaide, and more importantly on where we’d put things right in the coming weeks. We’ll be watching with keen interest to see when Bret makes a few more of his cameos forward, and hope that he adds to his two career goals soon. With the determination in his voice, we finished our interview confident we wouldn’t have to think about that 1991 Bulldogs game for a long while to come yet.
Please Note: the views expressed in the above article are solely the opinion of the author and do not reflect the opinions of the Carlton Football Club or those employees of the Club. The Carlton Football Club would like to acknowledge the tireless work of those supporters who contribute to carltonfc.com.au.
