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Player Watch #7: Ben Lennon

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leighroy said:
self wriiten article from lennon
http://www.sportsta.me/afl/2016/10/13/my-desire-to-prove-myself/

There’s been a lot written in the media recently about where I might - or might not - be playing next season and whatever happens, I’m already preparing for it to be the season I show who I really am.
The start to my footy career hasn’t lived up to what I planned when I was picked up by Richmond in the draft three-years-ago – and it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear me say that’s been challenging.

So far my record shows I have played ‘only’ 19 games in three seasons, and I’m painfully aware there’s been more written about my injuries and setbacks than any on-field achievements.

However, I’ve learnt a lot from those 19 matches, the first lesson was the reality of footy. I’ve found out the hard way it’s a tough sport and anyone who pulls on the boots needs to accept injuries are part of the deal.

I’ve also learnt to appreciate playing the game. You learn a lot about yourself in rehab because it is so frustrating . . . there’s a sense of Groundhog Day in having to do the same monotonous exercises over and over and over . . . but the fact I’ve refused to give up ought to suggest to even the harshest critic I’m determined to make it.

Some of the guys I play alongside at Richmond have proven to be positive forces, especially Reece Conca, who has helped put things into perspective whenever I’ve been sidelined.

I’m grateful he’s always been available for our deep and meaningful conversations and that he’s also been willing to draw upon his own experiences.

Hearing him talk about his personal trials and tribulations allowed for me to see there’s light at the end of what’s sometimes been a long and dark tunnel.

As for Richmond, the club, regardless of what the future holds I’m so grateful that the Tigers saw something in me all those years ago.

Richmond has allowed for me to appreciate what it takes to make the cut. The coaches have – and they still do – make time for me and passed on words of wisdom that I know will hold me in good stead for the rest of my career.
The other day I was asked what I offer a team and my response was “vibrancy.”
Like anyone else I want security and stability so I’d certainly like for my future to be sorted out as quickly as possible.

Until then I’d like for those people who’ve supported me through thick and thin to know I’m training hard, and that it’s my every intention to be playing top-level football next season.

The good news is that I’m heading into the summer fresh and fit . . . something that I’m afraid hasn’t been the ‘norm’ over the last three years.

I’m using this time wisely, by working hard on a few aspects of my game the Tigers want me to focus on.

I’ve linked up with a sprint coach and also a personal trainer to improve my speed and endurance.

I’m doing a sprint session once a week, endurance sessions twice a week and getting smashed with a brutal cross-training session once a week.

While I finish most days feeling knackered I’m pleased to say I feel a sense of enormous satisfaction in knowing that physically I’m getting to the level where I want to be.
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Something that makes me dig deep during each of these sessions is knowing how much I want to play in the AFL.

I’m motivated to keep going when it’d be so easy to give up because, fitness-wise, this is the first opportunity I’ve ever had to catch up to the other players.

You see, I’m excited to think I might be able to show everyone what I’m capable of with a full pre-season under my belt.

The other day I was asked what I offer a team and my response was “vibrancy.” I’m only 21, one of my strengths is that I can get around the team. I believe I’m skilful and know that I can definitely make things happen at centre-forward.

From having to bounce back from the setback of injuries, and from being hammered in these extra fitness sessions I’m doing I also realise I have an insatiable desire to prove myself as a consistent performer in the AFL.

I’m putting my best foot forward for 2017 - and beyond - I see this as the beginning of my career and I am putting in the hard yards to ensure I’ll be ready for it.

- Ben Lennon, exclusively for Sportsta
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Well that's a good start. Sounds like the penny may have dropped.
 
living_in_syd said:
To be honest I think he has beef with harwikc not richmond, theres a difference.

Think back at all those times of being played out of position, stupid game style and dropped before the elim final - all decisions or major pushings by harwick. I would be pissed too.
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Rubbish. Getting played out of position is not a thing, It's not under 10's. He deserved to be dropped and his beef is clearly with himself.
Credit to him for basically acknowledging this finally.
 
RodneyDangerfield said:
Rubbish. Getting played out of position is not a thing, It's not under 10's. He deserved to be dropped and his beef is clearly with himself.
Credit to him for basically acknowledging this finally.
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There is also one prob with the "its dimmas fault" argument. If he truly hates dimma, wtf did he re-sign in 2015 when he had the option of going to carlton???
 

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Always nice to read articles from players.

I hope we can hang onto him - unless a deal too good to turn down comes up. Seems like he's humbled himself a bit. Certainly has the talent to play, just needs the drive and motivation to go with it. Caracella apparently helped work wonders at the Cats with their forwards, maybe he can have a similar effect for an enigma like Lennon. If Lids goes, Lennon is a great candidate to replace him in the forwardline IMO.
 
NUFC Tiger said:
Always nice to read articles from players.

I hope we can hang onto him - unless a deal too good to turn down comes up. Seems like he's humbled himself a bit. Certainly has the talent to play, just needs the drive and motivation to go with it. Caracella apparently helped work wonders at the Cats with their forwards, maybe he can have a similar effect for an enigma like Lennon. If Lids goes, Lennon is a great candidate to replace him in the forwardline IMO.
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Well done on releasing the article Ben. If Lennon can remain injury free and get himself fit, he'll be fine. Over the last 3 years, he's had knee surgery, 2 hip operations, shoulder surgery, an ankle injuries and bouts of concussion. I watched him against Geelong in round 21 and he was "cramping" just before 3/4 time which concerned me as AFL players do not cramp. After the game I looked at his games played and wondered why we picked him when he'd only played 1 full game in the previous 6 weeks. 2016 was a horrible year for him and I'm hoping he has a great 2017
 
The fact that no one is interested in him and now maybe starting to realise he needs to put in the effort then we may see him actually contribute to the team, I'm still doubtful of his character and think even if he comes good he will still piss off to the highest bidder.
 

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Coach_Required said:
The fact that no one is interested in him and now maybe starting to realise he needs to put in the effort then we may see him actually contribute to the team, I'm still doubtful of his character and think even if he comes good he will still piss off to the highest bidder.
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That is okay if he came good and then wanted to piss off to the highest bidder as he'd have some trade value. At the moment he is worth Jack shit to RFC and has no value. We should have pissed him off last year. He's just one of these types who will not put in and then claim to be victimised because the coach didn't like him or give him fair opportunity. The guy just doesn't work hard. Has never got fit. Conca version 2.
 
TigerImposter said:
I still believe he has the natural attributes and skills to make it.Ben is the least of my worries as i look at our list and see some names which are more dire and taking us nowhere.
Townsend Moore Houli Grigg(s) Hunt Hampson Morris Conca ....................................
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Grigg is a good, solid player. Can't all be superstars. He's a B grader and does his role well - has done so for a while.
Hampson has improved this year in leaps and bounds.
The rest I agree with.
 
t_bond_legend said:
Grigg is a good, solid player. Can't all be superstars. He's a B grader and does his role well - has done so for a while.
Hampson has improved this year in leaps and bounds.
The rest I agree with.
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Fair enough mate as its funny how we all see things differently
It probably would be different for a few of those blokes I mentioned if they had a bit more quality around them with a better game plan.
 
t_bond_legend said:
Grigg is a good, solid player. Can't all be superstars. He's a B grader and does his role well - has done so for a while.
Hampson has improved this year in leaps and bounds.
The rest I agree with.
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None of those guys will be in the team when there is someone to replace them with, which we don't have at the moment.
 

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t_bond_legend said:
Grigg is a good, solid player. Can't all be superstars. He's a B grader and does his role well - has done so for a while.
Hampson has improved this year in leaps and bounds.
The rest I agree with.
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Oh and I would say "leaps and bounds" probably wasn't the best term to use for Hampson!!!
 
NUFC Tiger said:
Always nice to read articles from players.

I hope we can hang onto him - unless a deal too good to turn down comes up. Seems like he's humbled himself a bit. Certainly has the talent to play, just needs the drive and motivation to go with it. Caracella apparently helped work wonders at the Cats with their forwards, maybe he can have a similar effect for an enigma like Lennon. If Lids goes, Lennon is a great candidate to replace him in the forwardline IMO.
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Good call, I'd be taking him off the table immediately and put him in hands of new coaches , he s still young and has the talent to graft a good career , little to be gained in gifting him to a rival
 
CoggaRules said:
Sounds like a resume
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Was thinkimg the same...coincidentally the article is released during trade week when the message loud and clear is that there is zero interest from other clubs
Lennon has 2017 to get things right...otherwise, it's bye bye AFL
 
Accepted 04 said:
Hopefully he can stick around and become the great HF that we need. He has the tools just needs the drive and determination to make his potential a reality


Sent from my iPhone
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I just think he needs a clear run at it.
2015 he was firing, looked like a great get. Glandular floored him.
 

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