Q & A with Sam Fisher

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Sam Fisher of the Allies celebrates during the Under 18 Championship match between Vic Country and the Allies at Simonds Stadium on June 29, 2016 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media)

Sam Fisher
Position: Midfield/ Half Forward
Local Club: Canberra Demons

This October Canberra’s Sam Fisher will join his 10 teammates from the NSW/ACT Rams when he heads to the 2016 NAB AFL Draft Combine. The Combine brings the best young talent to one place for a final round of testing, ahead of the 2016 NAB AFL Draft in Sydney later in the year. Fisher will travel from Canberra to Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, to be tested from October 6 to October 9.

How does it feel to be nominated by 5 or more clubs for the 2016 NAB AFL Draft Combine?
It is definitely a very special feeling. It is good to be acknowledged for all the hard work that has been put in over the last 5 years not only by myself but all the people who have helped me. I am excited as well as nervous for the opportunity to compare myself against the best 18 year olds in the country. But at the end of the day it is a wonderful experience that only comes once.

You will join 10 other NSW/ACT players, which is the highest ever invitees, is it comforting to know that your teammates from the NSW/ACT Rams will join you?
It is a great achievement by AFL NSW/ACT. It’s a reward for all the hard work and effort put in by all the coaches and support staff to get the invitees in this position. Having familiar faces around will help ease my nerves coming into the combine.

As part of a group of 11 players invited to the 2016 NAB AFL Draft Combine from the region, you are the only player from the ACT. How does that feel?
It’s a special achievement and I’m honoured to be in this position. Although this is the case I wouldn’t have been given the opportunity if I didn’t have talented local boys to train and compete against weekly.

How did you think you performed through the 2016 NAB AFL U18 National Championships in both Division 1 and 2?
I was content with my overall performance throughout both championships, however I recognise the fact there is definitely areas of my game I can improve on in the back end of the season leading into the Combine. From a team perspective, I thought we performed well in the Division 2 champs. It was also good to see the Allies compete well against every Division 1 team.

What’s your preparation look like for important games or testing like the Combine?
I like to be well prepared both physically and mentally. This comes down to training hard throughout the week and also not over thinking upcoming events. This helps me to not overload myself with pressure.

The clubs will not only watch you during the testing, but will conduct interviews as well, which one do you think you will find more difficult?
They are both difficult, the testing comes down to your preparation leading up to the carnival and the interviews rely on your personality and ability to answer questions under pressure. I hope I’ll be prepared for both come October.

You have been involved with the Giants through their academy programs since you were 13, what has that experience been like for you?
I’m very appreciative for everything the Giants have done for me. There is no chance I would’ve been in this position without the Giant’s coaches from Canberra and the other areas who have pushed me from the age of 13 until now. There is also a brilliant program run throughout every region within the academy, which gives the players every chance to get drafted.

Its a tough journey to the AFL. How have you balanced working, training, a potential AFL career and trying to be a normal teenager?
I believe this is one of the most important aspects of the journey to the AFL. It is very easy to be overwhelmed with all the pressures of work and training. I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by a group of friends and family who are extremely supportive and can help me take my mind off footy and focus on different areas of my life.