Notting played 208 games and kicked 138 goals with the Club from 1998-2009.
What are you doing with yourself these days?
I’ve been working as a carpenter since getting qualified last October, mainly doing things like decks, bathrooms, and general house renovations.
I’ve also started doing kids toyboxes which are custom made. I basically build them and line them with material and padding so that it suits the décor of the baby’s bedroom.
I’m also about to do a few courses in Human Resources, because I’m keen to get into Player Welfare. I’ve spoken with a few guys at the Lions who have helped point me in the right direction.
I’m also doing a bit of radio commentary with SEN and Croc Media and am really enjoying it. It’s more special comments and providing insight into why certain things are happening or what teams could be changing.
In the early days, I was probably a little bit biased towards the Lions when I was commenting on their games, but I’ve learned to become more critical when needed.
I see you’re also still running around with Labrador in the NEAFL. How long do you think you can continue playing football at the local level?
I’ll probably assess that at the end of the year.
The body is holding up well, but I missed some games a while back with a shoulder injury.
I’ve been joint coach this year which has been a good experience. I mostly look after the young 17-23 year olds and help develop their game and hopefully get them to take the next step.
I worked pretty closely with Stephen Wrigley last year who’s now on the Lions’ Rookie List. He’s a really good kid, and a good listener.
Sometimes AFL clubs contact me to discuss certain players.
Do you still catch up with any of your former team-mates?
Yeah, we still catch up when we can.
I’m obviously still close with Browny, and only recently went over to his place for some home-made pizzas. The first two they cooked were absolutely sensational, but the third one had so much garlic on it that I wondered whether the big fella might have been crook.
With the other guys, I certainly bump into them every now and again. It’s hard because we’re all so busy, but generally in the off-season we’ll try to organise or lunch or catch up at one of the Club’s reunion functions.
What are your fondest memories from your playing days with the Lions?
Obviously the Grand Finals are a standout.
But I was talking to a guy the other day and told him that while the actual playing part was great, it’s probably that day-to-day stuff with your team-mates that I miss the most.
You certainly miss just knocking around the Club with 30 or so of your mates every day, working out in the gym and the general banter that goes on.
I understand the family will be expanding soon? Considering both you and Jodie were professional sportspeople, can we expect your children to take after their parents?
I’m not sure yet. Our little girl is only 18 months old and is a real daredevil. Maybe she’ll join the Crusty Demons when she’s older!
We’re expecting another one in October.
Do you still get along to watch the Lions occasionally?
Yeah, I see a fair bit of the Lions, mainly because they’re usually the games I commentate on.
A mate of mine also has a corporate box, so I try to get in there every now and then.
So out of all the home games so far this year, I’ve probably only missed one of them.
Have you noticed much change over the last few years since you’ve been retired?
Absolutely, there’s been heaps of change. Probably the speed of the game is the biggest change I’ve noticed.
When I was finishing up flooding was in vogue, but now it seems that the style of play from when we won those premierships has come back. It’s higher scoring, big guys are becoming more important, and there seems to be more pack marks.
The Club recently held its inaugural Hall of Fame event in Melbourne back in June. Other than Marcus Ashcroft, Nigel Lappin, Alastair Lynch, Justin Leppitsch, Leigh Matthews and Michael Voss - who were among the inaugural inductees - which of your other former team-mates might get considered in the future?
I would have thought Chris Johnson would have been very close to being inducted - he’s the next guy that automatically springs to mind.
Then, of course, there’s Browny and Blacky who will no doubt go in straight away once they’re eligible.
