AFL kicking guru helps Dolphins star strike it Rich
Joel Gould |
Dolphins half Isaiya Katoa is preparing for his first finals series with a focus on his kicking skills – which is why the advice of noted former Brisbane Lions whiz Daniel Rich is crucial.
Rich kicked 116 goals in 275 AFL games for the Lions and in 2023 launched a 69.5m monster torpedo punt over the Yarra River to win a pre-grand final kicking competition. He is now a kicking coach and consults to the Dolphins.
Katoa, also Dolphins co-captain, recognises how important game management will be in the finals and his work with Rich is preparing him to shine.
“Dan is an awesome kicking coach and catches up with us once a week,” Katoa said.
“We go through little things and sometimes he will come back and it will be a refresh and we come back to what is important.
“With Dan, the biggest thing I have taken away from him is momentum and what that does for your kick.
“We are always working on little drills that help me get my momentum into the kick. His biggest thing is that momentum can save a bad kick so that is something I am continually working on.”
Katoa’s attacking kicks have come a long way this year and he landed one to perfection recently for fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow to snaffle and secure a 40-32 comeback win over Brisbane.
He has been practising with outside back targets Jack Bostock, Herbie Farnworth, Selwyn Cobbo and Jamayne Isaako ahead of the finals to give the fourth-placed Dolphins more options.
“I am spoiled for choice. I just need to nail the kick,” he said.
Katoa came from the Penrith system and as a teenager watched and learned why the club was so successful in finals series.
“When I was at Penrith the thing I took away was everyone nailing their own individual role,” he said.
“We have tried to build that over the last couple of years, with everyone being clear on their role. That gives you the confidence to back your ability and make plays.”
Katoa got to watch Penrith’s Nathan Cleary at close quarters and has done since in the NRL. The four-time premiership winner has taught Katoa lessons on how to succeed in finals.
“One of the biggest things is how present Nathan is in games,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter how the game is going he is always wanting to be involved and on the ball.
“You look at guys like that who have had successful careers and they are always making the big plays, but there are little moments that lead up to that.
“What is really important for me going into finals is controlling the team and leading our mindset.”
The Dolphins host Parramatta on Friday night and must win to keep their top four position intact.
AAP