XAVIER DUURSMA spoke to the media on day two of the pre-season camp on the Sunshine Coast.
Hear the best bits from the talented wingman’s press conference at the Maroochydore Multisport Complex.
Duursma on the camp so far:
“It’s really good to get around the boys - all of us a really enjoying it so far.
“It’s our second day. We had a really good session out on the track, and we are just trying to keep on improving from there.
“We are doing a lot of team connection stuff and just have a really great camp overall.
Duursma on the chance to connect as a group:
“I think this camp is a good chance for all of us to get that connection.
“We are really trying to build right behind TJ and the rest of our leaders as well. We have quite a few ex-AFL captains, as well as other great leaders coming through.
“We are going to be unified behind Tommy and make sure we have a really great connection.
Duursma on where he wants to improve in 2020:
“I just want to take the game on a little bit more.
“I have to try and put on some muscle. Build some strength. And take the game on more.
“I’ve got a good outside game. I think I can take the game on through my speed and my running, but now it’s about trying to work on the inside.
“Break some tackles and really take the game on.
Duursma on his weight goals for next year:
“When I got to the club, I was about 73 kilograms.
“I am now about 78-79kgs - I’ve put on a few which is good, but I’m hoping to get to about 80-81kgs by the end of pre-season.
Duursma on his second pre-season:
“I think you just know what you’re in for a little bit more.
“You can never prepare too much for it, but you obviously know a little bit more what you’re in for.
“You are always looking forward to that challenge and trying to get better every day.
“It’s very exciting and I’m just enjoying being up here again at this camp. It’s a great place to have a camp - in sunny Queensland with some great weather.
Duursma on training in the humidity:
“Humidity - you have to adjust to it a little bit.
“It’s very hot in Adelaide as well - it’s just a drier heat. The humidity adds a little bit to the training, so we just need to work extra hard to push through it.
“It adds another constraint to our training, but we are going to attack it head-first.
Duursma on his advice for the new draftees:
“I try to encourage and explain to them and help them out as much as possible.
“All of the second-year boys, as well as the rest of the team, have been doing a really good job of trying to get the young boys up to speed.
“It’s not easy coming in - this is only their second week at the club and they are on training camp.
Duursma on the surprises on the camp:
“At night time meetings we only get told a day in advance.
“They pull a few little surprises on us here and there, which makes it exciting - it keeps us on our toes.
Duursma on the accommodation:
“Most of the guys have their own rooms - the first-years have paired up.
“They are not bad - they are quite small, but we will deal with that.
“We are not here for luxurious accommodation. We are here to train.
Duursma on the facilities in Maroochydore:
“I’m very impressed here.
“They are very nice ground - all three of them. The facilities in there are great as well.
“We are getting look after here, that’s for sure.
