Ash: We have a different coach for each part of the ground, so you are probably going to think the one you work with most is the best. I work with Huddo and Leppa the most and they’re both really good. I’m sure Blacky would say the same about Fletch, who works with the midfielders. Chrissy Johnson does a good job of looking after the first and second year players. I don’t think you could say any one is better than the other.
Hi Ash. Do you like playing at Telstra Dome under the roof? It is great for the fans, particularly in winter. – Desley from Northcote, Vic
Ash: I am personally a fan of Telstra Dome – mainly because I play alright there most of the time. Since it has got pretty well grassed, it has become one of the best stadiums in Australia. You really appreciate it on a wet night in the middle of winter when someone else is playing in the rain and freezing at the MCG, while we are playing dry weather football in the warm. The only time it is a bit off-putting is if you play a day game with the roof closed, then go outside in the team bus and it is still light.
G’day mate. Love reading your column. What is the best practical joke you have pulled on one of your teammates? Michael from Manly, Qld
Ash: I don’t pull too many. Mal Michael used to be the man who was into that sort of thing. It was not uncommon to hear a knock at the door and find a pizza bloke with six pizzas ordered in your name – that was one of Mal’s trademarks. He also used to take the young blokes’ keys out of their locker when they weren’t looking and move their cars, so they’d go outside at the end of training and panic.
Hi Ash. Do you think that the Lions' woeful performance against the Dees could be explained by that awful white jumper? I don't think I've ever seen the Lions win while wearing that disgraceful garment. Cheers. – Colin from New Farm, Qld
Ash: I’m not a fan. I much prefer the Fitzroy jumper as our alternate. But at the end of the day, how you play has little to do with the jumper you are wearing. The Dees were a bit harder at the footy than us. The longer they stayed in front, the more hope they got. They dug in deep and unfortunately got the four premiership points.
G’day Ash. I hate having two byes during the season because I don’t know what to do with myself when the Lions aren’t playing. Would one bye be enough for you players? – Angela from Warrnambool, Vic
Ash: I enjoy having the two breaks – it really freshens the body up. My advice to you is go and have a hit of golf or have a sleep in on the bye weekends.
