Justin Koschitzke

[Ford Fairlane]

I've OT'ed this because it's nothing to do with trading for him. I just read his comments in this article in The Age on his career so far, and I don't think I've ever seen a more brutal self-analysis by a player ...

I'm overrated and under the pump: Kosi

Samantha Lane
The Age
October 8, 2006

St Kilda's injury-prone talent Justin Koschitzke feels his AFL career is on a knife's edge and after a season of seemingly never-ending drama, has admitted it could take years to restore his confidence.

For all the promise the 24-year-old has shown over six years, Koschitzke is yet to play an entire season — his 20 matches in his 2001 debut year is, to date, his personal-best. And while the talents of the versatile forward/ruckman are highly regarded — Koschitzke is also considered by some to be the Saints' most important player — he is battling self-doubt.

"I've been in the game six years … I've done nothing, I've got one year on a contract, I've got to do something … to make it as an AFL player. That's where I stand right now, honestly," Koschitzke told The Sunday Age last week.

"I've got one year to go (on my contract). I think it's make or break. Can I sustain being an injury-free, week-in-week-out player? There's a massive question up there. And that's exactly how I feel. I've spoken about it with my Mum and Dad.

"I'm super-overrated for what I've done. Super-overrated. I'll be 25 at the end of next year, and if I don't deliver, I've got seven years of an undelivered AFL career. Six years ago if you'd told me what I'd done after six years, I'd be very disappointed."

etc.

 

[portentous]

He's one of the few St Kilda players I have any empathy for. He must have walked under every ladder, broken umpteen mirrors, crossed the paths of dozens of black cats etc.......

Hope he has a great 2007-just not against us!

 

[morell]

How refreshing. In a sad sort of way.

All the luck to the kid, but I fear he may be St Klda's version of our Lockwood.