Rochester’s James Gledhill has played every game for the Tigers this season and has been the most consistent.
The Rochester defender has the challenge of playing on the best forwards in the competition.
From Kyabram’s Kayne Pettifer and Brad Mangan to Mansfield’s James Lawton, Gledhill is ready for the task.
‘‘I just try to watch as much vision as possible,’’ Gledhill said.
‘‘It helps you adapt to the very best that the league has to offer.
‘‘That means adapting to the player, say Pettifer and Lawton for example, you can watch their movement and see their strengths.
‘‘But you have to play to your strengths and trust your midfield.
‘‘As well as having to try not to think about it too much and just rely on instinct.’’
The agile defender is blessed to play alongside one of the best defenders in the business.
Gledhill said Rochester coach James Flaherty had played a huge role in his development.
‘‘Flaz just lifts the whole group, the chat he has is huge and we missed it when he was out for a few weeks,’’ he said.
‘‘He’s massive to the side and I try to mimic his voice as much as possible.
‘‘In recent years, he’s helped mould me into the player I am.’’
As well as Flaherty, Gledhill said the midfield group played a huge role in the life of the defender.
‘‘As a defender you’re only as good as your midfield group and the pressure they put on,’’ he said.
‘‘It just turns out that our midfield group brings the pressure each week.
‘‘And that makes my job a hell of a lot easier.’’
Then comes the renowned chicken steaks at Moon Oval.
After some quick investigating, the whispers hinted that Rochester is home to an almighty football meal.
Gledhill was quick to mention that despite Moon Oval having ranked lowly in an Outside The Box ‘‘best grounds’’ column, that the chicken steaks were a list-topping chew.
‘‘We do pride ourselves on a good chicken steak,’’ he said with a laugh.
‘‘Maybe we grow some good chickens around here, I’m not too sure.
‘‘But our chef puts a nice marinade on and I reckon they’re pretty good.’’
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