Player in Focus - Round 9 - supported by Talent Focus

Our weekly Player in Focus segment, brought to you by our amazing women’s program sponsor Talent Focus, this week profiles our Vice Captain Jordan Russell.

Leadership – best leader you have had?

Probably Priv, she was captain during my first season of footy… She is a player I really look up to, but also an incredible leader. She always knew the right thing to say to get the team revved up and playing for each other. She also took players under her wing to help them improve their skills.

Best manager you have had? (Doesn’t need to be footy related)

Probably Mrs Fry during my water polo days… She was always the first one to arrive in the last one to leave… And when you’re 15 and playing sport six hours a day the massive carboloading meals she provided were the best!

Best team environment you have experienced?

Probably Mac! After only one session at the club I knew it was a group I wanted to be a part of… Everyone just got around each other and really made new players feel welcome.

What motivates you?

Being the best I can be… Corny as it sounds I always want to improve my skills and my game – if that means more gym, extra kicking, watching videos I just want to be better than I was yesterday.

Who is your favourite sports hero, doesn’t have to be AFL.

Not sure if I’d call her my hero… But a girl I went to high school with, Erica Fowler who now plays for Collingwood has always been someone I looked up to you as a kid and now seeing her play professional footy is pretty awesome!

What reasons do you like playing a team sport?

One of the best things in life for me is when a group of people come together to create something great… Nothing beats the feeling of sweating it out with my teammates on the field to work towards that winning game.

Sports you played growing up?

So many! A few that stood out with water polo, netball, cross country and soccer… Wasn’t allowed to play AFL in case I broke my fingers… Funny that!

Favourite thing to do outside of sport?

Grab a beer, get to the beach and watch a brilliant sunset.

What would you do with your last $10?

Probably the above!

If you had the opportunity to have dinner with celebrity, who would it be?

You didn’t say living... Probably Nelson Mandela

What strengths do you believe have made you the player you are today?

Resilience… I’m always ready to try again harder the next time

What do you do to prep before a game?

Eat… Always eat… Sometimes too much – the standard good nights sleep, lots of water… usually as many high-fives with the team as I can score

Fav movie about sport?

It was the only thing I wanted for my 11th birthday – the DVD of Cool Runnings. Emma knows where it’s at…

How does being an athlete inspire to you do good?

It inspires me to stay healthy and active…feel committed to a team and motivates me throughout the week!