BomberBlitz.com Exclusive Interview - Lachie Henderson

BomberBlitz: Who was your footy idol growing up and why?
Lachie Henderson: James Hird and Nathan Buckley, cant split the two. Both these players just appealed to me because of the way they played footy and the leadership they both show on and off the field.

BB:Who do you barrack for, and where do you want to go?
LH: Collingwood and it makes no difference wherever I can play footy to the best of my ability.

BB: Do you have a rough idea of where you might be placed in terms of draft position?
LH: Not really I have been told different by people but anything could happen.

BB: What is your preferred position on-field and why?
LH: CHF, I like to be up the ground a bit able to run but also able to kick and set up goals.

BB: Three reasons why you would like to come to Essendon that distances it from its rivals.
LH: James Hird was there, Kevin Sheedy was there and it is a good club with a great history.

BB: Did you injuries this season set you back a lot in your preparation?
LH: Yeah, they have a fair bit. I struggled with my broken fibula bone earlier in the year and then a ankle and foot injury later in the season that i am still carrying. My fitness is surprisingly alright but everything is lacking with the little work I have done.

BB: Are you nervous about making the transition from the TAC to AFL?
LH: No, not really. I think these days there are so many people to help and guide you through that I will be alright. It will still be tough though.

BB: Just how much growth do you have in you to make?
LH: A fair bit I haven’t played a lot this year so I have still got a year to catch up on everyone. I still have a lot to learn to hopefully become a solid AFL footballer.

BB: Which modern footballer (or if not one perhaps one from the past) do you think you think you are most like on field?
LH: Nick Riewoldt

BB: Who do others say you play like?
LH: Nick Riewoldt

BB: What would you say are you’re greatest assets in terms of AFL?
LH: My marking, my brain and decision making and my leadership.

BB: What areas do you reckon you could improve on?
LH:Ground Balls, second efforts and speed

BB: What would your top 3 goals be once you’re drafted to an AFL club?
LH: Have a full pre-season, run a 15+ beep (or just be real fit), do extra skill work to get myself ready for AFL and to try and play that season.

BB: What was it like getting an AIS scholarship for AFL?
LH: Awesome, I really did not expect it at all I didnt even know what it was when I got told I was getting looked at. I learnt so much throughout the year and owe a lot too the program.

BB: What do you think of the prospect of possibly moving away from home?
LH: Not really too happy with it but sacrifices may have to be made. I would miss a lot of things over here and it would be interesting to see how I go. But if its to play footy I think I would be alright.

BB: Who has been the hardest player to play on in the under 18s?
LH: With not many games this year I cant really tell but for me probably Mathew Lobbe or Hugh Sandilands.

BB: What have been your best and worst experiences out of AFL Draft camp this year? How did you find it?
LH: Best experience was just been around all the boys and catching up with the AIS boys. I couldn’t really tell you the worst it was never that bad, maybe 3km time trial. It was a great experience. Very tiring but was worth it and was great to be around people that are going through the same thing as you, I enjoyed it.

BB: When did you start playing footy?
LH: I played all through primary school just at lunch at recess with all the older boys. But properly i started in under 14’s when i was in grade 6.

BB: You’re in year 12 this year, how has it been fitting both footy and school work?
LH: It has been alright being in Geelong this year right next to school made it a lot easier. It has been fine.

BB: What subjects are you doing?
LH: Geography, English, Design and Technology, Further Maths, and Maths Methods. I also did Physical Education last year.

BB: Who has had the greatest influence on your footy career so far?
LH: My Dad

Your dad had a big influence on your footy career so far, did he play a fair bit of footy back in the day or does he still?

LH: Yeah he was a great club footballer. He just has a great eye for the game and has learnt to change with it and he still understands and knows whats going on, he is fantastic.

BB: Do you play any sports other than footy?
LH: Yeah I play golf, tennis and cricket. But really only golf now.

BB: If AFL wasn’t around, what would you do instead?
LH: Something to do with sport anything around it. Maybe focus on Golf earlier on and try club pro or something. laughs

BB: Now for the important questions. Are you a cinnamon, iced or jam centred type donut man?
LH: Cinnamon.

BB: If you could hold a Guinness World Record, what would it be for?
LH: Fastest 20m sprint.

BB: What music do you listen to?
LH: Anything

BB: If someone made a film of your life, who would you like to play the lead role?
LH: Brad Pitt.

BB: Name 3 people you would invite to dinner and why?
LH: Tiger Woods, James Hird and My Girlfriend.

BB: One place you would like to visit?
LH: Trevi fountain in Rome.

BB: Three words to describe yourself?
LH: Hard working, Honest, Loyal

BB: What is your favourite colour M&M?
LH: Green

BB: Do you think milk should be added to instant coffee prior to boiling water or after?
LH: After

BB: Shorts or pants man?
LH: Pants.

BB: Shoes or thongs?
LH: Shoes.

BB: Thanks for the interview Lachie and good luck with the draft!
LH: Thanks.

Posted 19 October 07 in News