A BACHELOR of Commerce and grappling a soccer goal post.
That’s a day in the life of Carlton ruckman, Marc Pittonet.
While he continues to dream of his Navy Blue debut, Pittonet has been keeping himself occupied both on and off the track as the clock ticks down to a return to training.
Undertaking four subjects in his degree for the first time and some unconventional training techniques has clearly kept Pittonet busy.
“Four subjects has kept me very honest, especially when I picked up the other three in week three or four,” Pittonet said.
“I definitely don’t want to ever be under pressure from uni when football is one. I thought it’d be a good opportunity to knock out some subjects so when we’re back playing, I can worry about playing.”
As for those unconventional training techniques?
Ruckmen around the competition would be arguably the most affected, unable to train their ruck craft by not being able to have one-on-one contact.
So, Pittonet decided to take matters into his own hands.
“One of the things we’re trying to maintain is my game is built on one-on-one conditioning,” he said.
“When I’m doing my running, I also do some ruck fartleks and as an opponent, I use the soccer goal.
“There are people running laps of the oval and I’m trying to push as hard as I can and pretend I’m rucking against a genuine pole.
“I don’t win, I can’t move it. I’m not strong enough.”
The prospect of plying that ruck craft in the Navy Blue jumper is something that Pittonet is most optimistic for, having been an emergency in Round 1.
While debate continues about the potential of multiple games in a week due to a condensed fixture, Pittonet said it was something he would relish — all he wants is an opportunity.
“My game is built on [being] in the contest,” he said.
“It’s more physically demanding from a hitting bodies point-of-view, rather than necessarily churning out kilometres like someone like ‘Walshy’.
“While it might not have the same impact on my legs, it might mean that I might be able to back up a bit quicker. It’ll be interesting, but it’s hard to say.”
As for the conditioning side of things, Pittonet knows first-hand that he and his teammates are in the best possible hands.
Knowing the merits of Andrew Russell from his time at Hawthorn, Pittonet said the playing group was full of confidence that it would return from unprecedented times in strong shape.
“I’ll back Andrew Russell in,” h said.
“I’ve seen him long enough in my time at Hawthorn as well: I don’t think we could have a better person at the Club.
“This is where we trust him and we’ll be in unbelievable shape.”
