COLLINGWOOD fans are rejoicing the impending arrival of yet another father-son gun in Thomas McGuane. The son of 152-game premiership Pie and ever-present footy brain Mick, McGuane junior projects as a prolific on-baller with crafty skills and high footy IQ.

McGuane, who represented Vic Metro at Under 16 and 17 level, is part of the Under 18 summer hub and spent a fortnight training with Collingwood’s senior group. The Western Jets prospect heads into his top-age campaign having averaged 26 disposals across 16 bottom-age outings last year.

Such was his prominence for the Jets, he led the Coates Talent League (CTL) for total disposals and handballs, setting him up to add to the long line of father-sons to land at Olympic Park. We sat down for a chat with McGuane at Saturday’s CTL preseason testing event in North Fitzroy.

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PRESEASON Q&A

Q: Tom, can you talk to me firstly about how you got started with footy?

TM: I was sort of born into footy, obviously with Dad playing for the Pies. I’ve been playing since I was really young and just loved it ever since. Always got a footy in my hand.

Q: Your dad is still quite involved in footy, so how has he been for you in terms of mentorship?

TM: He’s been awesome, I’m very grateful for him. He’s taught me a lot along the way.

Q: Is there one thing in particular that really sticks with you in terms of like the advice he’s given you?

TM: Probably just that the harder you work the luckier you get. Put your head down and get to work, talent will only get you so far so keep working hard. We watch a lot of footy together and he’ll always pause the TV and teach me new things.

Q: What was the experience like training with Collingwood, did any players take you under their wing?

TM: I was lucky enough to do two weeks with them over the summer holidays and a few players that have taken me under their wing are probably ‘Pendles’ [Scott Pendlebury], and Nick and Josh Daicos. They’ve been awesome for me and obviously Pendles especially has a lot of experience, so he taught me a lot.

Q: How has preseason been otherwise?

TM: Awesome. The Jets are looking strong and we’re training hard… can’t wait for [the season] to start.

Q: What kind of role will you play this year?

TM: At the Jets I’ll probably predominantly play on-ball. Hopefully if I play in the Metro side, it might be a bit of a mix between midfield, wing and half-forward. It’ll be very interesting, I’m looking forward to it.

Q: Can you describe your strengths, and then maybe some of the improvement areas in your game?

TM: I’d probably say my strengths are my skills, my decision making, and my footy IQ. Then my room for improvement is just the contested side, just getting bigger and stronger and sort of building into a body. That’ll help with my inside work.

Q: Is there a player you look up to and try to mould your game on?

TM: I have a few actually. Nick [Daicos], obviously being a Collingwood supporter he’s one of my role models alongside Zach Merrett and Errol Gulden. They’re superstars of the game and ones I watch closely.

Q: Which teammates do you think we should look out for to have a big season?

TM: Tommy Burton, he’s injured at the moment but he had a really strong year last year. Finn Davies as well, he was added to the summer hub for Vic Metro, so I think those two will be very exciting to watch.

Q: Lastly, what are your goals for the year?

TM: My goals for the year are probably just to be consistent as much as I can. Try and play week in, week out and just try to play good, consistent footy.