AS the postponement of all seasons commenced over the last week, we head back to the pre-season a few weeks earlier where we chatted to a number of athletes across the country. In a special Question and Answer (Q&A) feature, Draft Central‘s Peter Williams chatted with Sandringham’s Jake Bowey at the NAB League Fitness Testing Day hosted by Rookie Me.

PW: How are you feeling today?

JB: “I’m feeling pretty good. I’m nice and fit so hopefully I get some good times, PBs (personal bests).”

What do you see as your strengths?

“Probably 20m and agility. “Probably vertical is a bit of a surprise because I’m so small compared to others.”

Last year, what was that like in your bottom-age year playing with with the list Sandringham had?

“It was pretty intimidating at first, but I got comfortable and just played my role each week and it was good to get around Ryan Byrnes, Finn Maginness and get that experience off them.”

This year will you look to progress more inside or still try and use your strengths on the outside?

“The plan was just to be as versatile as possible, play as many positions as I can. “Show I can play at the top level, so hopefully inside a bit better.”

What do you see yourself as your preferred position?

“Pretty much anywhere. “I love playing footy so just any position is good.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“Probably speed again, agility, and power running. “Just getting through packs and stuff like that.”

Your improvements?

“Finishing, my goal kicking. “Just on the run and set shots. “Just making sure you kick them.”

What have you been working on the pre-season to improve?

“Just some extra sessions, and also my endurance running and make sure I can finish games, so just some extra sessions to make sure I can get better at that and perfect it.”

How did you find the pre-season match against Oakleigh?

“It was a good feeling, it was good to get around the boys. “We’re starting to build a good culture for this year which is good. “To get the win, even though they had a couple players out, it was good to get that satisfaction knowing we can beat the good sides.”

From your perspective, do you look to use your experience with younger boys going forward?

“Yeah I try and be a leader with the other top-agers and try and teach the younger boys what it’s like and help them through the year so they can get comfortable and play their best footy.”