Although Richmond’s reigning Jack Dyer Medallist, Dan Jackson, has had a slower start to the 2014 season to what he would have liked, due to a hamstring injury, he is more comfortable in his own football skin then he’s ever been.
The 27-year-old veteran of 146 AFL games will resume playing in a practice match for Richmond’s VFL team against Footscray at Whitten Oval tomorrow (Friday, March 21) after spending several weeks recovering on the sidelines.
In previous years, such an interruption to his preparation for the season-proper, would have played on Jackson’s mind, but the confidence gained from his standout year of league football in 2013 has had a profound impact on him.
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“I’ve started this year with a much more relaxed state of mind,” Jackson said.
“In the past, I’ve struggled to have that self-confidence to think that I could make any difference for the team, other than just be an average player.
“But last year I got some consistency and fitness, so I’m looking forward to going out there and actually enjoying it, knowing that I can play at the level and make a difference at our club. So, it’s just exciting.”
Jackson was quick to reassure Richmond fans that the Tigers are thoroughly prepared in their quest to take the next step in season 2014, despite a disappointing opening round loss to Gold Coast.
“Rest assured, it’s been a good summer. The guys will learn, they’re licking their wounds . . . it will be a big game next Thursday (Round 2 v Carlton),” he said.
“I don’t think it’s going to be any less of a game, despite the fact that it’s not a season-opener.
“It’s a Thursday night, it’s between two bitter rivals.
“We know the history over the last few years, and especially from (last) September (the elimination final).
“So, I’d like to see 80-90,000 there again.”
At this stage, Jackson rates himself only a low-percentage chance to be out there under the MCG lights next Thursday, due to his lack of match fitness, but, regardless, he’s eagerly anticipating the contest.
“I hope that I’m able to play in it, but if not, I’ll be one of the cheering fools from the outside,” he said.
“It’s a great game to be a part of.
“For a long time, it was probably the closest thing that Richmond players had to playing in finals.
“We saw what that was like in September, so, hopefully, we can get a bit more of that finals-like atmosphere, because it’s great to play in front of.”
