1. a line on the surface of something along which it has split without breaking apart.
2. a sudden sharp or explosive noise.
3. a joke, typically a critical or unkind one.
4. Irish: enjoyable social activity; a good time.
"What's the craic?" (Irish colloq.) = "What's going on?", "What's the news?"
IN honour of Port Adelaide's first international rookie, we decided to christen our occasional updates on Daniel Flynn as 'What's the Craic'. As Flynny explained to portadelaidefc.com.au, this Irish colloquialism is used simply to say 'What's Up?' and we felt it a fitting way to share exactly what's going on in the world of the Irish speedster.
After returning to Port Adelaide at the end of April, Flynn has played four SANFL games - against the Crows, Sturt, South and North Adelaide - and has steadily grown and developed his game.
From a player who simply ran at (admittedly a very fast) speed and broke lines, to one who is able to focus on beating opponents and using his kicking skills to lace out teammates, Flynn's evolution from promising Gaelic convert to Australian footballer is slowly advancing.
It's a process that is still in its embryonic stage, however, and Flynn currently has until the end of 2015 to enhance those skills.
His irreverent nature around the club and cheerful persona externally, combined with his trademark power running, has started to endear him to fans.
But for the Kildare kid, getting his game to a higher level as he continues to settle into life at Alberton is his number one priority.
Matthew Agius: Thanks for your time Flynny. You're back at the club and living with Ollie and Chad. How's it been settling back into Adelaide life?
Daniel Flynn: Yeah it's been good, everything's pretty much the same as it was before I left. I went back home and saw the family during the pre-season which was good, and now feel a little bit more equipped to deal with things if I get a bit homesick having gone over and seen them.
MA: Your family has been very supportive of you continuing your career and coming back though, haven't they?
DF: They are, but at the end of the day it was my decision to come back. I'd probably be able to tell you what they're all doing and everything that's going on back home, so it's been a comfortable move back.
MA: Before you returned you played with the European Legion against the AIS. How did that help your transition back? Was it a bit of a kick start?
It was good to have a kick. I'd kicked the ball a bit back home and played a bit of Gaelic, but compared to the first year I played for the European team I felt like I knew a bit more what was going on. The other boys didn't know so much. It was good to get out there.
MA: So, you were best on ground?
DF: (laughs) I haven't a clue, but I did feel the difference between that and the way we play and train here - the pressure around the ball is much higher here.
MA: Speaking of pressure, you debuted against the Crows state league side in Round 5, and there's obviously an intense rivalry between Port Adelaide and the Crows at AFL level. Did you feel that rivalry and pressure when you first played?
DF: Our boys were all pumped for it. I was a bit different, but they were all in the dressing rooms shouting and getting each other up, while it felt like I was just sitting in the corner twiddling my thumbs and waiting to get going. The boys were all mad to beat them and it was good to win in my first game.
MA: What about since then? You came on in bursts against the Crows and had running plays, now you seem to have settled in and look to be enjoying a bit more game time.
It was a bit eye-opening against the Crows. I just got the ball and went and eventually got into the forward line and saw all these players there! I don't really think about it when I'm running, but you do need to think a bit more when you get inside 50. It's not been too bad though, going through with the boys, training during the week and then playing together on the weekend has been helpful.
MA: I'd imagine you don't know too many opposition players going around. Does that help ease the pressure when you're out there?
DF: That helps too. I couldn't tell you the names of two players on the field, but it's not arrogance, I simply don't know who they are! It's a bit different to say, Jarman Impey playing on Eddie Betts - he knows he's a good player and has grown up watching him. I just need to assume everyone is a good player and try and focus on doing the job.
MA: So since that Crows game you've played through Sturt, South and North. Can you tell us a little bit about playing in front of home crowds and in close matches against those teams?
DF: It's been great at Alberton. I think there was a good atmosphere around the place, and everyone was shouting and roaring as we came through the tunnel. It was decent! We've been OK in those games with good starts, but we've fallen away at times which we need to work on. Other than that it's been really good so far, and really good to play at home.
MA: Having seen the way you've played three weeks after debut, you appear to be playing with a lot more freedom and confidence. Do you feel you're more comfortable with the game after a month of playing?
I am. When I started I was probably a bit anxious, but because I played a couple of games here at Alberton after that first one I did feel more comfortable with where I was at.
MA: Can you explain what role it is Buddha has given you?
DF: Can you explain it to me? I haven't a clue!
MA: Some sort of running half back role?
DF: Yeah something like that.
MA: So what does Buddha tell you to do when you get out there?
DF: In the first game he told me to just go out there and play. Next game, he told me to get a bit more physical - go and get the footy and man someone up. Now it's a bit more one-on-one and try and stop the other bloke getting the ball.
MA: So he might give you one or two small things to add to your game each week?
DF: Yeah. It's been helpful to just start off by trying to use my skills
MA: And what about Burgo? Has he been on your task much since coming back?
DF: Just a little bit. Because I was away, it's all been about getting my body right. I'm sure when the next Dubai trip comes around I'll have plenty of work to do. Here the pre-season, in-season and off-season is different to back home where you basically play all year round. The 12-week blocks you have in pre-season where you run yourself into the ground will be another big test for me.
MA: Have you been given any sort of strategy or plan for your development in the rest of the season, or is it all about going out there, doing what Buddha tells you and getting settled into Aussie Rules.
DF: Yeah. I do try to do some extra kicking every day, because I want to get that skill to the top. Other than that it's just about playing week-in, week-out and playing the games as well as I can.
MA: And living with Chad and Ollie, how has that been? Have you got any goss you can share with us?
DF: It's been good - both guys like relaxing and chilling out at home. Goss? I don't think there's too much I can share.
MA: We might need to do a PTV Cribs at the new place then to find out for ourselves.
DF: Yeah I reckon so.
MA: Has Chad converted you to NBA yet? He's a big NBA man isn't he?
MA: He's a big NBA man, but I still haven't a clue what's going on with it.
MA: Finals are coming up, do you have a team?
DF: Nah, not yet.
MA: Any hobbies or thing you like to do or see in Adelaide?
DF: I've been to the Pancake Kitchen in town - that's great - but I'm only allowed to go there on gameday for breakfast. That's when I eat pancakes. Open 24 hours too - It. Is. Unbelievable.
MA: Thanks for your time Flynny and good luck for the second half of the SANFL season.
DF: No worries.
We'll catch up with Flynny for another edition of What's the Craic? next month.
