DARREN Minchington is committed to building on his two-game career tally this year on the back of a strong pre-season that has the 20-year-old aiming for a midfield role.
“That is what I plan to do – to get up into the midfield,” Minchington told SAINTS.com.au on Friday.
His two senior matches in 2013 yielded two goals against two of the competition heavyweights – Hawthorn and Sydney. In both contests he played in the forward pocket.
“My aim is to be not just be a small forward but also stay on the ground longer as well… I can just go from midfield to small forward [instead of the bench]. When I first got here Scotty [Watters] said we want you to play in the midfield so that’s what I’m aiming for.”
Now under the guidance of Alan Richardson, the message has revolved around work ethic with an emphasis on intensity regardless of the searing Melbourne heat.
“Today we got here at about 7am and got prepped. We have come out to Moorabbin for a bit of a change-up, it was a good training session,” Minchington said.
“It’s pretty tough but we get through it. I haven’t experienced anything like the heat this week. It’s been hard but it’s been good to get ready for the season [in these conditions].”
In the short to medium term, the rookie is hoping to play a role in the NAB Challenge which begins next month and has enjoyed learning from new High Performance Manager Adam Basil as well as Richardson.
“Firstly it’s to get a few NAB Challenge games and then hopefully have a big year and get a few games in the ones… They’ve both been great. Both of them have put it towards me and the group to work hard and you will get the opportunity.”
Friday was Melbourne’s fourth 40-plus degree day in succession, in stark contrast to St Kilda’s pre-season trip to Boulder, Colorado last month where the temperature reached as low as -20C. While it’s difficult physically and mentally, Minchington said he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We’ll go into our recovery, have some lunch, get into the gym and do our upper body session. Then we will go and rest up and go again tomorrow. Sunday is a day off then we will go again Monday. “
You can follow Tom Morris on Twitter: @tommorris32
