Matthew Leuenberger: Matthew Leuenberger here and I have big Bart McCulloch with me. First question to you Barta, how has it been moving from Tassie right up here into the hot tropics of Brisbane, Queensland?

Bart McCulloch: On draft day when I found out that I was moving up it was pretty exciting. When I got up here, it was great meeting everyone and being shown around.

But in the first year I found I got pretty homesick, especially because I was injured and wasn’t playing much footy. I found it pretty hard.

It’s been much more enjoyable in my second year - I’m playing footy, the place feels a lot more like home and I’m much more comfortable up here. I’m also enjoying being up here in the nicer climate - it’s a bit warmer than Tassie is.

ML: Good to hear mate. Back in Tassie your old man trained a lot of racehorses and from what I hear you had a fair bit of involvement in that. Do you miss getting involved with the horses back home?

BM: Yeah, I definitely miss the family business which deals a lot with horses, horseracing and breeding. Obviously up here I’m unable to participate and help out. I miss that a little bit. But I still get on the phone and keep up to date with what’s going on back home with the farm.

ML: In the few games I’ve seen you play this year, you’ve shown this beautiful ability to sell some candy to player. Where did that come from?

BM: I enjoy selling the dummy and sidestepping my opponents. I’ve managed to do it a couple of times which has given me the confidence to keep doing it. When I get the opportunity, I like to try and sell a bit of candy and I haven’t been caught too many times yet.

ML: Did you play any other sports growing up other than footy?

BM: When I was younger I played basketball and I also did a fair bit of athletics. But as I got older, time commitments didn’t allow that. So I eventually cut out athletics and then basketball to focus on football in my last couple of years as a junior.

ML: You’re also a smart bloke - arguably the smartest bloke in the Lions Den at the moment. Are you doing any study or anything like that outside of footy?

BM: I’m doing a bit of Uni part-time. I’m just doing a Bachelor of Business. This is my second year so I still have a fair way to go. It’s always good to have an interest outside of footy to help fill in the spare time.

ML: Unfortunately for all the single ladies out there, you’ve been snapped up. You have a beautiful girlfriend from Tassie who has moved up with you. How has that been having her support up here with you?

BM: She only moved up this season so it was pretty tough last year. It’s good to have her up here.

ML: You also have Aaron Cornelius living in your household. How does he go?

BM: Yeah, I’ve got old AC with me at the moment. We’re a really happy family and get on well. I try to get him to do his fair share of work around the house but that’s proving a tough job.

ML: Out of you and Aaron, who would be the better cook?

BM: He’s taught me a lot of what I know, but I reckon I have probably overtaken him. When I first moved up here I was very dependant on Aaron to do the cooking, but I think I’ve gone past him now.

ML: Now how tall are you?

BM: 198cm

ML: So you grew up playing as a tall forward?

BM: Yeah, I played most of my junior footy at centre half-forward. I played in the ruck at times but it wasn’t really my dominant position. But since I’ve moved up here I’ve spent more time being coached as a ruckman.

ML: If you had a choice between playing in the ruck or as a permanent key forward, what would it be?

BM: I like kicking goals playing up forward, but on the other hand you’re not in the play as much as you are as a ruckman. I like both. I like playing in the ruck and then going forward to have a bit of a rest. It would be good to play in both positions and be a bit more versatile.

ML: With the quad injury you had last year, what have you found is the most challenging part about dealing with that?

BM: I was just constantly wondering whether all the work I was doing was going to pay off. I had a lot of doubt in my mind as to whether the injury was ever going to be right and whether I’d ever be able to play again. It was really hard doing all the rehab and the work and not knowing whether I was going to get the rewards at the end. Now I’ve pushed through that and it has proven to me that it has all been worth it.

ML: What do you like to do in you spare time? Do you have any hobbies or anything like that?

BM: I usually spend my spare time doing uni work. I don’t mind going out to the races occasionally and watching the horses. Other than that I just like to relax around home and don’t mind going to the movies.

ML: Finally, give me three words that would sum you up as a bloke.

BM: Three words - dedicated, fun and ummmm….professional.

ML: Very nice mate, thanks for your time.