Ben Lennon is a young Tiger on a mission in 2017. The talented 21-year-old is super-keen to make his mark at senior level with Richmond this year, following three frustrating seasons at the game’s highest level. He outlines his goals for the upcoming season in this ‘Roar Vision’ interview.
Boosted by a big pre-season
“My individual focuses for the pre-season were, firstly, to complete each session. I’ve done that thus far and it’s been really good for me. And, the second one was to improve the defensive side of my game. I’m slowly chipping away at it and I feel like it’s getting better, so it’s been good . . . In my first three seasons, I hadn’t had a full pre-season, and I feel like that’s hindered my performances. So, with a strong pre-season, hopefully I can play some games early on in the year and that can set me up for a big year.”
The need for speed
“Another thing I identified, along with the coaches in the last year, was my speed. I have a family friend, who’s a sprint coach, so I teed up with him (for some training) and it’s held me in good stead. I still continue to do it after training with Peter Burge (the Club’s Physical Performance Manager), so hopefully that’ll help with the continuity of completing every session. And hopefully (I’ll) see it turning into my games throughout the year.”
Loving learning off Leppa
“The Club’s a completely different place to what it was last year . . . That’s no disrespect to the people that were here last year, but I’ve really loved working with (returned assistant coach) Justin Leppitsch. His knowledge of the game’s been really great for me. I’ve been learning a lot off him and I feel like I’m going to really enjoy playing for him this year . . . Having that special, close relationship, would be good. He’s not only a footy coach, but he’s also someone you can talk to outside of footy. He’s also quite a funny man. So, it’s been good to work with him.”
Favourite on-field role
“I feel most comfortable playing half-forward. If anyone needs a chop-out, like on the wing or through the middle, I’m happy to do that as well.”
Forward focus
“I guess playing forward you need to kick goals, so that’ll be one of my main focuses. But also utilising my hands and my kicking. I feel like I can set goals up, as well as hopefully kicking them. I think marking and kicking are my strengths, so, hopefully, we can see that happen throughout the year.”
Striving for a permanent senior spot
“It’s definitely frustrating watching from the stands . . . You’re disappointed as well. For whatever reason, whether it’s injury or bad form, you just feel disappointed. So, I feel like I’ve got a lot to prove this year . . . I’m just taking every training session as something to look forward to, and try and get something out of it. Hopefully, it comes the middle of the year, and I’m not sitting in the stands, I’m actually out there. So, that’s my main goal.”
