Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has confirmed something that everyone has long suspected – that he's partial to a kick or two in the change rooms prior to a game.
Speaking to ABC Radio, Malthouse said one of the things he most enjoys about game day is his involvement with players prior to kick-off.
"Yeah I get involved - I love to have a kick of the footy believe it or not. That's why I change my shoes, because I've wrecked these!" Malthouse said.
"So I have a kick and find out who wants to have a kick with the coach and who doesn't, and who is steady with their kicks as opposed to trying to break my fingers.
"I think it settles the player's nerves … I think that it's so important that you relax. It's my way of relaxing."
Before the opening bounce the change rooms are always a hive of activity. There's an individual warm-up, a team warm-up, a team meeting and the coach's address.
Each player tends to have their own routine, which is something Malthouse firmly believes is important.
"If some want to kick into the nets, if some want to sit and listen to music and others do whatever it is they want to do – as long as it doesn't disrupt other people," Malthouse said.
"You've got to have to some perimeters, but nonetheless you've got to let them be what they want to be too."
