How fellow recruits helped new Pie’s teething problems
Anna Harrington |
Dan Houston didn’t have to look far for advice on how to handle the pressure of being Collingwood’s latest boom recruit.
The previous two men to hold that title are within two lockers of the former Port Adelaide man.
The Magpies traded for ex-Port Adelaide star Houston last year in a high-profile three-club deal with the Power and Suns.
A two-time All-Australian at the Power, given a licence to create with his wonderful kicking off half-back, Houston has struggled to hit those highs at Collingwood.
“Coming to a new club and being a new player with a little bit of expectation’s always a little bit challenging,” Houston, 28, said ahead of Saturday’s preliminary final against Brisbane at the MCG.
“But the team’s been awesome, and the boys have really got around me, and Fly (coach Craig McRae) has got around me too.
“And I think winning and playing some good footy throughout the year as a team has really helped.”
The new Magpie No.9 has turned to former Docker Lachie Schultz (No.8) and ex-Lion Dan McStay (No.11) for advice on handling expectations.
“I lean on some of the relationships in the locker room with Lachie Schultz and Dan McStay, who have both got lockers right next to me, and they’ve probably been in the same position as me before as well,” Houston said.
“So it’s good to have those relationships, knowing that every time I step on to the training track or play a game, I’m going to be better for the run.
“It’s just reassurance that even if you … have a game or a season that isn’t up to expectation, you can still find a lot of positives out of the season and out of little things at training, or little things in a game that are going to help you with our system and the way we play.”
(Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)
McRae has supported Houston, who has shuffled between the wing, half-back and deeper defensive roles.
“Fly’s such a caring character, and he understands how hard the game of footy is at times, and how hard it is being new into such a big club,” Houston said.
“So he’s helped me a lot … playing under him, it’s what you want as a coach – someone in your corner.”
The classy defender is also confident he’s nailed the balance of being aggressive while avoiding costly suspensions.
Houston’s introduction at Collingwood was delayed by a five-game high-bump suspension from last year at Port Adelaide, before he also served a two-game rough-conduct ban early this season.
“Playing almost 20 games in a row has probably helped,” he said.
“It does play into your mind a little bit. You’ve got to be so careful with your duty of care for other players and where the ball is, where the opposition is.
“So that’s probably played on my mind a little bit throughout the year, the first few games after the suspension always does. But then after that, it’s sort of out of your mind.”
AAP
