WYLIE BUZZA is determined to earn the respect of Port Adelaide’s players and coaching staff as he enters his first pre-season at Alberton.
Buzza signed a one-year contract with Port Adelaide - joining the Power as a delisted free agent - after four seasons with Geelong.
“I just want to earn the respect of the coaches and the players around me,” Buzza told the media during a press conference following his first pre-season session with the Power.
“I feel like I have a pretty good work ethic and hopefully that holds me in good stead.
“If I can get that trust early, then hopefully I can perform after that.”
The 23-year-old spoke about his time with Geelong and how he developed his game during his four years on the Cats list.
“I think I’m a pretty versatile player,” he said.
“I’ve spent four years in the system now, so I feel like I’ve really matured. I’m still fresh and feel like I’m starting to hit my straps.
“I feel like I’ve developed my craft and I’m ready to go.”
The tall forward said he was excited to learn from the Power's leading man in attack, Charlie Dixon and hopefully join him in the Port Adelaide forward 50.
“I am happy to play a supporting role to Charlie (Dixon) if that’s what the team needs,” Buzza said.
“What Charlie brings at his best is one of the best key forwards in the game. It will be great to learn from him.
“And I think I’ve got some traits that can stand up to his game as well, but I would love to play alongside him.”
However, Buzza said his sporting career could have taken a different path given he didn't pick up a football until the age of 16.
“I’m from country Queensland, so AFL is definitely not massive up there,” he said.
“Rugby League was my main sport growing up and I really wanted to play for the Brisbane Broncos.
“I was 16 when I first picked up an AFL footy. A larrikin mate of mine wanted to take a day off school - he found a clause in there that you could have a day off school to go to the local tryouts.
“So that’s how it all started for me.”
The rest of Port Adelaide's playing group will return to pre-season training at Alberton on Monday 18 November.
