Josh Reynolds arrived back at Belmore this week and he sat down with bulldogs.com.au as he looks ahead to season 2017.
Is it good to be back after eight weeks off?
It’s good to be back, but the eight weeks definitely help. I feel having those two extra weeks has helped, although I was keen to return last week. It’s good to see some new faces and everyone seems to be happy and looking to improve off a disappointing end to 2016.
Do you approach each pre-season differently?
I always want to test myself. I feel if you’re content with where you were at last year, than you’re never going to improve. It is a little bit different each time I turn up for a pre-season because I know what’s coming, but it’s one of those times of the year where I feel if you’re mentally tough and are wanting to improve, than I don’t see why you can’t be better than previous years.
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What do you feel needs to change over the summer as a group?
We need to demand more out of each other as a group. We are a good footy team, but we need to push the boundaries. We can’t just be happy with being a good footy team - we want to be a great footy team. As a group we need to chip each other when things aren’t right and I feel the best way to improve is fixing all the little things. It’s doing every rep in the gym, it’s making sure you’re on the same page when we’re out on the field as a team and not being left behind in any aspect. I have a good feeling about the group we have at Belmore in 2017. There’s a different vibe around the club this pre-season with the injection of so many new faces and young kids who are excited to rip into the pre-season.
What excites you about the upcoming season having spoken with Coach Des Hasler?
I feel there is going to be change collectively as a group and having only been back a few days I can already see the positive changes.
What is your focus over the summer?
There are so many areas of my game that I can work at and I know that. I have to make sure I’m not content with what I have done over the past couple of seasons. I feel for myself, it’s about maturing as a half and for Moses and I too take that next step. We need all the boys to get on board and trust us. I feel this year with that one season under our belt, we will move forward and I have a really good feeling about it.
Who’s the player our members and fans should keep an eye on?
Marcelo Montoya. He is a local boy like myself and I have always kept a close eye on him. He’s a great kid, very respectful and he’s ripping into his training. As we all know with a few of the outside backs departing there are some spots up for grabs and I feel if he keeps doing what he is doing, he definitely has what it takes. He is a little goer and that’s what I love about him.
