QUICK CHATS WITH MATT ROGERS

How does it feel to be back in the black and red?

Really good so far. Having a couple of good wins is nice and it has been great to see some familiar faces around the Club. The team has been welcoming and we’re all looking forward to finishing the year off well.

What are the major changes you see from when you were last at Perth?

Coming back to Perth I’ve seen a massive culture shift. The off-field professionalism has increased the intensity and focus at training. There are some good people around that have impacted the team and how we work. The oval is also in pristine condition.

What do you think have been the team’s big drivers this season?

The team has grown steadily under Earl over the last few years. Under his and Dale’s leadership, a young list has developed and there has been continuity in keeping the side together. The young guys who were 18 or 19 are now around 23 and 24. The continuity of keeping guys like Matt Taylor, Brant Colledge and Corey Byrne together, as an example, has helped the side see glimpses of success.

It has certainly been a big start to the year. How does it feel?

It’s been great. Absolutely fantastic. But, at the end of the day, we’re only part way there and all we’ve achieved is a decent start to the season. Right now the focus is just on working hard to have a successful back half of the season.

What are your key focusses for the rest of the 2019 season?

I’m a bit of a fossil on the team, which puts me in a unique position where I have the experience to keep a cool head and can play a leadership role on the field. I’m hoping to be able to impart this knowledge and help the younger guys to do the same, and obviously playing finals footy with Perth is the ultimate goal.

Do you have any rituals that help you in the lead up to a game?

Back in the day I had the game day jocks and some other things, but as I’ve got older I have definitely relaxed. Now I just head down to Bella Rosa for some Friday night pasta.

What can the supporters expect from the side this weekend against Claremont? And for the rest of the season?

We’re going in focussed, ready to stay consistent and play with intensity.

Anything else to add?

I’m thankful to the Perth Football Club for giving me the opportunity to play back here and contribute on game day. A special thanks to Marty, Dale, Earl and the playing squad for being so welcoming.

To all the supporters, thanks for coming down each week whether it is rain, hail or shine. There is nothing like playing footy in a packed house, you all make it like a fortress.

You can catch Perth take on Claremont this Saturday at Claremont Oval. Reserves bouncedown: 11.30am. League bouncedown: 2.15pm.