CFC TV
Andrew Walker's third quarter goal Mike and Dans Play of the Week
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This week’s Play of the Week has a few little oddities; first, we plucked it from the third quarter when Carlton were getting killed, second, we had to cut short the interview when a baby in the background demanded the said player’s attention, and third…we never got to finish the chat because said baby cried all night (and in doing so seriously impacted on the health of the original said player!).  But in the end, Mike & Dan Incorporated remained ecstatic in not only talking to one of our favourite sons in Andrew Walker but also in welcoming him back to the seniors with open arms…

Andrew, nice goal - right foot banana eh? Do you practice that sort of stuff? Your snap goals are generally very accurate. Do you have a preferred style / type of kick for nailing goals?

From that sort of spot I have got to try something! We practice it at training and there is a comp between the players. Eddie is one who obviously excels - he kicks about 9 out of 10

How did the boys feel after the game? It was a frustrating last quarter to watch; was it frustrating to play?

Yes because we had control of the game in the last quarter and it was disappointing to lose by about a goal. So yes it was disappointing.

We seem to have a new habit of having to let the opposition get ahead before we really charge. Do we just like a challenge?

Not really, just the team losing concentration during the game. Once we manage to string four quarters it will come together.

Chris Judd was 'On the Couch' a few weeks back said he tries not to read media discussions on himself if possible. When you came to Carlton the press were labelling you 'Kouta Mark II'. Do you read media articles on yourself, or do you try to avoid them?

Early days you are excited by the idea of playing AFL and tend to read media, but as you progress, you don’t take too much notice. You sort of learn there will be good or bad stuff so it’s your choice on reading it.

You've obviously had the shoulder injury this year. We've heard a lot about Justin Cordy this season. Can you tell us how he is different to work with compared to other health experts, and what sort of influence did he have in helping you prepare for your senior return?

His background in physio and nutrition and strength and conditioning means he’s done lot of things we haven’t been able to experience before in a fitness coach.

There was some media talk about you being disappointed about not getting back earlier - what was that all about?

No, that’s not the case… not at all. The plan was to get to a level of fitness and playing potential before I slotted back into the side. I knew that may take 3 or 4 or 5 weeks. The problem with a shoulder injury is that when you come back you tend to favour your good shoulder, and I didn’t want to do that.

You had nearly a season away from senior footy, out of anyone in the squad you would have had the biggest chance to notice the change from the 2007 team to the 2008 team. What is the biggest change in the team in your opinion?

We’re gelling together a lot better. The leadership group is leading the team with that – especially obviously having Juddy and with Murph also stepping up the way he has this year. Also, across the board there has been a massive improvement in the team. This is especially the case with health and fitness in which Justin Cordy has helped all of us.

Is there a game in your career that stands out as a favourite?

A couple of wins against Collingwood. Beating Collingwood is always a big one, but the big comeback against Essendon was a massive one a couple of years ago where we were down at half time.

And then….waaaa!!!! waaaaa!!!! And it wasn’t just the Crows fans bleating about Steven Browne getting off, the Foxtel commentators cheering for the opponent (as always) or us Carlton fans complaining about the Umpires!  Unluckily for us Andrew had to leave us but we’ll be at him for a follow up chat as soon as adult life allows….