In his fourth year at the club, the 21-year-old took out the Bob Skilton Medal as the Swans best player over the course of the season, ahead of established stars Josh Kennedy and Lance Franklin.
While Parker’s hardness and determination were hallmarks of his game, his consistency was also what set him apart in 2014. He played every game this season, and averaged nearly 26 possessions, six tackles and 4.8 clearances per match, and also booted 25 goals for year.
Reflecting on his breakout season at the Swans, Parker told SwansTV he hoped to take his game to an even greater level and lead by example in 2015.
A Grand Final loss was not the way the club wanted to finish the year. How did you see the game and how do you feel now?
To finish the way we did was pretty shattering. It wasn’t just that we lost, it was that we didn’t give it our best shot and didn’t play at the standard we know we can.
It was your second Grand Final, how did you compare the two games?
They were two different games and obviously I was a lot more involved in this one. I thought this year we were okay in the first quarter but then we dropped off and basically spectated and we were nowhere near our best. Hopefully that drives us for next year and I’m sure the boys will come back really hungry and wanting success.
Many of your fellow team mates have said that you were a real standout this year. How did you rate your season?
It’s pretty humbling to hear that. I think each year I just try to play more consistent football and this year I played more in the midfield and got more opportunities through that. I’ve just tried to play my natural game and keep it simple and hopefully I can continue on with the same good form.
You were also nominated in the All-Australian extended squad, but didn’t quite make the team, were you proud of that achievement?
I was proud of that, but I didn’t read too much into it at the time as I had other things to focus on with finals coming up. Whether I made it or not, I wasn’t really fussed, but if it comes along in the future then it’s great to get, but I’d take a premiership over one of those every day.
There was a lot more hype around you and your game this year, and you certainly attracted more media attention and the like. How do you think that impacted your game?
I think at times I took confidence out of it because all of it was positive so it couldn’t really get me down. It always helps when you can take some confidence out of it when you know what you’re doing is helping the team and it’s working for you. I’m going to come back next year and have a big pre-season and hopefully we can go deep into September again.
What do you think you need to improve on to go that next step in your game?
I think I can keep going on my leadership and I guess each year your fitness and that sort of stuff is going to keep building, which means I’ll run out games better hopefully. There are always little things to work on and for me leadership next year will be a big thing.
Why is leadership so important to you? Do you hope to get into the leadership group one day?
We do have great leaders at the club and obviously the more we can get the better. It is something I want to work towards and I want to be able to drive the group and stand up in big games, so that will certainly be a focus for next year.
What are your plans for the off-season?
I’m heading to the States, so New York, LA and Hawaii for three weeks, so it should be good.
