PORT ADELAIDE defender Tom Clurey spoke to the media ahead of Sunday’s T20 Bushfire Showdown.
Here are the key takeouts from the press conference:
Clurey on which cricketer he looked up to and how his body is holding up ahead of the game:
“I used to love Freddie Flintoff - bit of an allrounder and I used to bowl mediums back in the day.
“At the moment, I haven’t really played in a while. I haven’t played at all this year for Grange, so I’m not sure who you can compare me to.
“I used to trundle in, but the body couldn’t handle that these days. I’ve turned to my off spin.
“I’ve had a few net sessions and the body is looking good.
Clurey on which players back in their cricketing ability:
“Hamish Hartlett rates himself pretty highly.
“He reckons he played some pretty high standard junior cricket back in the day. He’s been talking himself up a fair bit.
“Also, Boaky and young Boyd Woodcock rates himself pretty highly as well. He’s made a fair few runs this year for Grange, so he’s up and about.
Clurey on who will perform well on Sunday:
“I’m backing in Hartsy.
“In front of a big crowd. I would’ve thought he would open with the stick, so it will be interesting to see.
Clurey on the importance of a big crowd and raising as much money as possible:
“It’s super important and the boys are really keen to get out there and help in any way we can.
“The Adelaide Hills, KI and the other states have suffered a lot over the past few months, so it’s going to be an exciting game, and hopefully it’s a good day.
Clurey on his pre-season to date and the feeling around the club:
“I’ve been able to do the majority of pre-season.
“I have been managed a little bit through a couple of sessions, but personally the body is fine.
“From a club perspective, it’s been a really positive two or three months before Chrissy and now after Chrissy.
“We are just looking to build that through the next few weeks and then into the pre-season games.
“We are excited to get into it.
Clurey on Jack Watts’ return to full training:
“Wattsy has done a week or two of full training at the moment.
“He has to keep monitoring his foot a little bit, but he has had a really solid week or two at training and will look to keep building on that.
“He’s been training in the backline, so I would’ve thought he would want to slot back in there.
Clurey on Watts’ push for a senior return:
“He’s definitely a chance if he puts together a good month of training.
“I’m sure he will definitely be around the mark come round 1. We all know what he can do with the ball in hand and how damaging he is.
“I’m sure if his foot and body is holding up, he will be right up there.
Clurey on Watts’ mentality around the group and the positive impact he has:
“He’s good. He’s been up and about.
“It’s one of those ones where it’s just a week to week thing. You might be a little bit sore at times, but he just manages that. He does everything right.
“He’s got a super kick either side of his body and he reads the play so well.
“He’s super important, and when he gets the ball in his hands, we know it’s going to go to one of our teammates.
