The young defender worked closely with retired premiership defender, and now assistant coach, Marty Mattner, who was Dick’s mentor in his first year at the club.
The soon-to-be 19-year-old told sydneyswans.com.au that he hopes to further develop his game in 2014, as well as work on his endurance when he returns to the club for pre-season training.
This year was your first season at the club. How did you sum up your year in 2013?
It was just absolutely amazing. Right from the start it’s just been an awesome experience and towards the back end of the season getting in to the finals meant there was a great vibe around the club - but a disappointing finish to the year - but it’s been pretty enjoyable so far.
What are some of the things you learnt in your first year at the club?
I learnt about the work rate you have to have and that it’s not as easy as it could seem to be. It’s just about consistency each week and that you’ve always got to get better, otherwise you’re going to go backwards.
Who are some of the players or coaches who have helped you this year?
Marty Mattner is my mentor and was also next to me in the locker room, so he’s been incredibly helpful this year, especially with his retirement and since he’s been helping out in the development office. I think it’s because we play similar positions and hopefully we’re similar players, so he’s been great this year.
What improvements do you think you’ll need to make heading into 2014?
I think just my endurance and my fitness base. It’s a big step up from the junior competition and hopefully next pre-season I can work on that.
You were lucky enough to play in two Grand Finals this year. How did you enjoy that and had you played in Grand Finals before?
I have, but it’s all been in junior footy. I had a pretty strong junior career and won a couple there, but it’s always great winning one with the boys up here.
What was it like working with the other new players in the Swans Reserves this year?
It was great and I think we only had three second-year players in the last Grand Final (against Brisbane). It was difficult working with all the top-up players, but they were all great and we all got along really well with them. It really helped our structures as well having to teach the other guys around you.
What are your plans for the off-season?
I’m going to Bali, and I’m going to Thailand also, and then I’ll be looking to get home for a couple of weeks and relax, which will be nice.
