AFTER an eventful off-season for the Demons, captain Max Gawn says he’s feeling refreshed, re-energised and ready to lead a new era at Melbourne.
“I’m in my long-run era right now. I’m enjoying running - every off-season I have something that I enjoy doing more, and at the moment, I’m loving running,” Gawn told SEN.
“It’s been around 40-50km weeks, but I’ve added a few 10km runs to my program, which is something that I’ve really enjoyed. Without getting into all of it, I feel like my continuity and my football - both not being injured and being able to perform - I’ve added to my program a lot of long, resilient running.
“It’s keeping me really, really fresh and fit and also keeping me out on the track.”
“It’s been around 40-50km weeks, but I’ve added a few 10km runs to my program, which is something that I’ve really enjoyed. Without getting into all of it, I feel like my continuity and my football - both not being injured and being able to perform - I’ve added to my program a lot of long, resilient running.
“It’s keeping me really, really fresh and fit and also keeping me out on the track.”
The six-time All-Australian said he’s grateful to still be part of the competition’s elite ruck conversation a decade on.
“Every year there’s constant competition, and at the end of every year I don’t necessarily think I’m number one, but the fact I’m in that conversation every single year is something I’m proud of,” he said.
“That’s almost ten years in a row where I’ve been in this conversation. Like I said before, the continuity of my training program - I’m really enjoying the fact that I’m in this conversation every year.”
While much of the external focus has centred on Melbourne’s list movement and coaching changes, Gawn said the playing group has embraced the shift.
“I’m extremely excited. And I understand what it looks like from externally - we’ve lost two of our best players, and we have - but I feel like what we’re creating, and now the help of a new coach, a new CEO, and a soon-to-be new president… I’m really excited to get a fresh start and to be able to make a first impression 17 years into my career,” he said.
Gawn has been energised by the arrival of new senior coach Steven King.
“Seems like a ripping guy. Every single person I’ve met has said Steven King is a ripping guy,” he said.
“Change is something we’re all scared about. And then when it happens and you meet who the new change is, you’re like, ‘Oh, how good’s this - it’s exciting.’
As he prepares to enter his 17th season, the veteran remains driven to defy expectation.
“Something that is keeping me going this year is the fact that we are well and truly written off,” Gawn said.
“But I, deep down, am very bullish about what this group can do.
“From an individual point of view, I just want to be in the conversation again. It’s very nice to win individual accolades, but it’s not why I play. Why I play is to be able to get the most out of my body.
“The longevity part of football - the fact that I’m 34 going 35 next year - I want to see what my body can actually get done. At some point, Father-time is going to come tap me on the shoulder, but I’m trying to defy that for as long as I can.”
