Lance (Whitnall) is out injured and I managed to get the nodfrom the leadership group for this weekend’s game. I did not really expect it;I thought Heath (Scotland)or Brendan (Fevola) would get it,” Waite said.
“It is a great honour to be captain of your club and I amlooking forward to it.”
The appointment is just reward for the Blues utility, whohas been one of the best performers for Carltonso far this year, impressing many with his aerial skills, electrifying pace andexquisite sidestep. However, the talented youngster is quick to point out hestill has a long way to go.
“Goalkicking isdefinitely one area I have been working on,” Waite said, “but I want to improvein all areas and play consistent footy each week.”
Waite’s mobility has proven to a problem for many oppositioncoaches and will be an important weapon for coach Dennis Pagan against Fremantle– a game in which both teams will be eager to make up for poor round-12performances.
“It is going to be a real good opportunity,” Waite said.
“I think we are going to put in a really quick team and weare all looking forward to the challenge of gaining back some of the respect welost in the Hawthorn game.”
While Waite acknowledges his first game as captain will be atough one, he believes his side has the game plan to defeat their more fanciedopponent.
“It is a big ground, Subiaco, and they are going to run prettyhard off the backline,” he said.
“So, we are going to have to get on our bike and win thecontested possession and get the ball in our hands so we are not chasing them.We want them to be chasing us.”
However, before the caretaker skipper takes his placealongside his opponent on Saturday, he will have to perform the main ritual forall captains – the coin toss against Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich.
Fortunately, the 24-year-old has already established histactics for the “Subiaco flip”.
“I am definitely an instinct person,” Waite explained, “so Iwill wait and see if there is any wind around and decide on the spot.”
Fast Facts
Which one of yourteammates is most likely to participate on the Channel Seven show It Takes Two?
Brendan Fevola –he reckons he is a good singer. I have not actually heard him sing butapparently he rates himself pretty highly.
What item shouldevery car lover install in their vehicle?
A supercharger – it makes the car go real quick!
Name an event you'dlike to attend in the next five years.
Monaco F1Grand Prix – I’ve always loved the Monaco event and I’d just love togo there.
Life after football?
I am currently doing a landscape gardening course throughthe AFL Players Association. I have been interested in landscaping for a whilenow, so I will see how it goes.
