A FIVE-goal game, rising star nomination, countless media appearances and some high praise, including being compared to a Brownlow medallist – and that’s just in a week for Connor Rozee.
The 19-year-old had 21 disposals, seven marks and an incredible five majors in Port Adelaide’s loss to Brisbane on Saturday night, earning himself the Round 3 NAB Rising Star nomination.
Speaking on SEN SA’s Breakfast program, Power Hall of Famer Kane Cornes likened Rozee to Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe – considerable praise for a youngster who has played just three AFL games.
Rozee said it was nice to be compared to someone of Fyfe’s profile but he was just focussed on trying to continue his good form.
“It’s nice to have comparisons to really good players in the competition,” Rozee said on the program.
“Obviously I’ve got a fair way to go - I’ve only played three games.
“But it’s always nice when people compare you to some of the really good players in the competition and hopefully I can have a long and successful career.”
It has been an exciting start to the season for last year’s number five draft pick, including his team-high five goals against the Lions, which saw him receive plenty of media attention.
The Port Augusta product says he has been enjoying his media opportunities but wasn’t expecting any accolades in his first season.
“It’s been a little surprising. You don’t expect a heap of media as a first-year player,” he said.
“I think I’ve been dealing with it alright, just ticking off one interview at a time and I’m really enjoying getting through the interviews.”
While there have been some outside distractions for Rozee, he says he is firmly focussed on getting another win for the Power against the Tigers.
And he is under no illusion that performances like what he produced against Brisbane as a half forward aren’t going to happen every week.
“There has been a fair bit of media the first couple of days but I’m slowly getting through it,” he said.
“I’m starting to focus on this week and hopefully we can get another win.
“I’ve spoken a little bit with Nathan Bassett about the half forward role being a pretty tough role to play.
“You can get lost a little bit sometimes when you’re not finding the footy and we all have little focus areas to focus on when we aren’t getting much of the footy.
“My main one is my pressure acts and my tackling, so if I can’t find much of it then I’ll focus on that.”
Port hosts the Tigers in a blockbuster Round 4 clash at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon, with the first bounce from 4.05pm.
