Recap some of the best questions and answers from Phil Walsh’s online Q&A session from AFL Media HQ in Melbourne.
Who is your tip to have a break out season? Welcome to the club, Phil!
“The boys are all training well and we'd expect a number of players to step up this year.”
What improvements have you seen in the playing group since you first set foot through the door in November?
“Their attitude has been first-class, there's been no whinging and they've taken on board everything I've said.”
What change do you wish to make in the Club in the 2015 season?
“Defence is where we're looking to improve after ranking 11th last year.”
If Taylor Walker is injured who will be the back up captain of the Club?
“Any of the other five members of the leadership group will do it if required.”
Luke Lowden is new to the club, what are his chances of a Round One berth?
“Luke's progressing well and we look forward to seeing him in the NAB Challenge.”
What made you and the selection panel pick Tex Walker as the 2015 Captain?
“Team-first player, sets elite standards and gets people to follow him in the direction the Club wants to go.”
What do you think is the most important game of the season to win?
“All games are important, you need to win 12 or more to make the finals.”
Are you going to play Walker, Jenkins, Podsiadly, and Lynch all in the forward line? If you're worried it's too 'top-heavy', what will you do?
“I doubt we'll play four tall forwards, but a combination of those guys is the basis for a strong forward line.”
You mentioned the need for 'man talks' with the leadership group, what exactly is that?
“Man conversations mean speaking your mind, even if you may not get what you want, so everyone knows where you stand on issues. That's the culture we want at the Adelaide footy club.”
Do you see the USA possibly being a place for future recruits to play Aussie Rules? If so, from where do you see these players coming from?
“Mason Cox is over here at the moment, and there's enough Australians over there punting at the moment! They might need to send them back to us!”
What was the deciding factor going from a team that is on the verge of premiership success, to a team that probably isn't quite there yet?
“Mental approach as much as anything, believing that you're good enough to win.”
Love to see a renewed focus on contested footy and gut-running. Is this heavily involved in the pre-season?
“Contested footy and hard running is something we're working hard on over the pre-season.”
