Speaking exclusively to CarltonFC TV from the confines of the high Performance Centre at Visy Park, Buttifant has opened up on a series of topics including;
· his expectations of the players in the lead-up to the 2013/14 pre-season campaign and what the players can expect of his training regimen;
· his renewing acquaintance with Michael Malthouse;
· his previous dealings with Chris Judd; and
· his objectives for the 2014 season.
A two-game Richmond footballer who in another life worked closely with both Dean Laidley and Matt Capuano in their playing days at Arden Street, Buttifant committed the past 13 years to Collingwood as its sports science director - during which time he forged a unique relationship with Malthouse with whom he wrote the book The Ox Is Slow But The Earth Is Patient.
“Mick’s been a fantastic person to work with. We’ve shared a very similar philosophy, so having that alignment is really important,” Buttifant said.
“Mick obviously empowers, but he also has a high level of competitiveness as well. He wants success, so do I and so does the club.”
Now, on the cusp of the Carlton players’ return for the 2013/14 pre-season campaign, Buttifant, who led the way with training at high altitude, is completing his meet and greet with fellow staffers at a place with which he’s already experienced “a real sense of connection”.
“One of the first objectives is to get to know my staff very well,” Buttifant said. “There’s a big team here. Obviously a very energetic team very keen to be successful, which is great, and then obviously getting to know the players – that’s very important.”
