JUSTIN WESTHOFF
On the significance of winning this game…
“It was an emotional night…I think the team performed well under the circumstances. It’s been a tough week and I’m proud of how the guys prepared for the game and came through with the goods in the end.”
On his top form in the first half…
“It’s always good to get touches and have some impact on the game, but I’m probably just proud of the way we played as a whole, and being able to hold on which we probably haven’t done all year.”
On what was discussed post-game…
“After the game we talked about how everyone was feeling and how we performed under that kind of strain, how tight this group is at the moment and trying to play to win for the right reasons.”
PADDY RYDER
On how the team managed to overcome a losing streak…
“We just had to play smart footy, stay with the structures and try to keep the ball as close to the boundary as we can, and surge it forward. The conditions started getting a bit slippery…but we got the job done in the end.”
On his own performance…
“…to be able to get back out there tonight, I felt a lot better in my body and I knew this was a big game for the club. I really wanted to step up and show the boys that I wanted to get the win for them.”
JACK HOMBSCH
On how the team handled the pressure of such a close game…
“After the week we’ve had, everyone handles the pressure differently, but Ken made a big point of bringing us together. We’re a very close knit team and we just thought if we can grind out a win, no matter if it’s ugly, Walshy would be proud – and that was the main idea of it. The result comes second, but go out there and give it a great effort and try and honour him."
On the tribute to Phil Walsh…
“It was a fitting tribute for the great man, it was really special. It came together beautifully and I think it showed what an influence he’s had on a lot of footy clubs and the roles he’s played for a lot of people. We thank Collingwood as well for showing their support.”
