Recently we caught up with Defensive Captain and current Defensive MVP Gareth Pullen to get his thoughts on the 2016 season so far…
How has the season been for you so far and how have your preparations for it varied compared to last year?
Very good, I have been working closely with Jon Rudgard (the team’s resident strong man) and also had some outside help from a speed coach in order to develop my movement.
Developing my core lifts along with adding Olympic ones has really improved my range of movement.
Last year I didn’t really know what I was in for and made a lot of changes to how I trained throughout the season.
This year I knew what my strong points were and I knew what my weak points were, so I was able to tailor my training to suit that.
We also had weekly gym sessions, ran by John Rudgard who’s also on the O Line, they were great to teach us what we should be doing in the gym and how to train on our own.
How do you think this defense compares to last season’s?
We have a lot of new guys who ooze potential, all we need is to get them more experience and they will be the bedrock of the future.
What do you think makes you a good captain?
I believe my leadership comes from the commitment and effort I put in on and off the field.
My teammates see this and buy into the team ethos of putting the effort in off the field as well as on it.
Loving the process is what makes people successful, and I try to demonstrate that.
What do you enjoy most about playing for the Eagles?
We have a great team first structure that guys believe in.
It isn’t about one man, it is everyone in it together. We are friends on and off the field, and that makes a big difference.
Do you have any targets for the 2016 season?
Just keep building on the foundations we have set out as a team.
I really just want to keep everyone focused on this season and driving everyone to get better.
What’s your favourite football memory?
My favourite memory has to have come from this year.
After losing to an opponent, one of their guys who I’d played with in a memorial match a few years before got in touch.
He told me that my attitude had affected him positively and really helped his love of the game.
That same guy was his team’s MVP, and to know his success is linked to my passion is something I will never forget.
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