Northern Knights captain Jade Gresham knew he had to start his TAC Cup season with a bang.
Wanting to make the Vic Metro squad and eventually the playing side, he needed his footy to do the talking.
He breezed into the squad after being named in the Knights’ best in the opening three rounds of the season, including a best-on-ground performance.
Gresham survived the squad’s first cut and will continue his push to play in the Vic Metro side.
The Parade College year 12 student said he preferred to play midfield but that he had played half back in his junior career.
“My start to the season has been all right,” he said.
Gresham said he had been working hard to ensure he did all the little things right to make sure he plays his best.
“I do gym sessions, pool sessions and boxing on top of training with the Knights,” he said.
“They expect us to do a lot of it – we all should be doing it.
“After the first few games you get pretty sore so I’ve been getting to the pool to make sure my body is right.”
The 17-year-old said he put his hand up for the Knights’ captaincy, having previously led school and local club South Morang teams.
“It was a pretty tough pre-season,” he said. “Being the older one you have to lead a bit more and set a good example.
“Last year I was in the leadership group and wanted to be captain so I put my hand up.
“I probably am a lead by example-type of person on and off the field and I’m still working on getting better at that.”
The Knights have started the season with one win from the first three rounds.
“I think we are improving every week and hopefully we can play finals,” Gresham said. “I think we can.”
After being named in the Knights’ best in 11 of the 17 games he played last season, Gresham said the aim this season was to keep his performance at a high level.
“I just want to be consistent, hopefully like last year,” he said.
“I want to go forward and kick a few more goals and work on spreading after the clearance.
“I will also work on endurance – you can always work on that.”
