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Time to muscle up
By Simon White
10:23 AM Fri 14 November, 2008
HIS RUNNING ability played a big part in him reaching AFL level, but Brisbane Lions midfielder Bradd Dalziell is banking on improved strength to help him stay there and take his game to another level.
Dalziell, made a huge impact in the final seven games of the 2008 season, averaging more than 26-possessions-per-game and picking up a Rising Star Nomination.
The 21-year-old, taken by the Lions with the No. 52 pick of the 2007 National Draft, arrived at the Gabba weighing 80kg but has since bulked up to around 82kg.
He believes another few kilograms will help him build on an exciting start to his AFL career.
“The consensus from talking to the assistant coaches has been that opposition teams will know more about me this year and pay me a fair bit more attention,” Dalziell said.
“I know I’m going to have to get stronger, so that I can push off my opponents and then get the ball.
“That’s going to be a big thing for me over the pre-season. I’m doing five gym sessions a week and hopefully I can add that strength to my running.”
Aside from his match-day performances, the impression Dalziell left on season 2008 also included a record-breaking effort in the Lions’ beep test last summer.
He hopes to better his mark again in the months to come and joked that previous record-holder Simon Black had already conceded defeat.
“I reckon Blacky’s pretty much given up on that,” Dalziell laughed.
“He’s already said that at his age he doesn’t think he has any beep tests left in him.
“I’m hoping to take it up another couple of steps this year. The thing will be whether the strength work knocks any of my running ability out, but I guess I’ll find out when the time comes.”
Dalziell said the spectre of the dreaded 'second-year blues' had briefly entered his mind, but was quickly swept aside by the positive vibes of a first pre-season under new coach Michael Voss.
He intends to consult veteran midfielders Black and Luke Power for advice as he comes up against more tight-checking defenders.
“I’ll probably have it a little bit easier than some young players. I’ll be able to turn to Luke and Simon who are champion players and that will be a great learning tool,” Dalziell said.
“There’s a really good atmosphere around the club at the moment. Michael Voss has come in and is doing a few different things.
“There has been quite a lot of boxing and wrestling and competitive work to get us going. All the boys are loving it.”
Love itAfter just 7 games Dalziell is already equal 26th in betting for the 2009 Brownlow at $101.00. That is equal 4th for the Lions behind Black ($21.00), Brown ($21.00), and Power ($67.00). Bradshaw is the other Lion at $101.00.
High chance of being a first round starter.
