Geelong backman Sam De Koning spoke to Channel Seven post-game…
Q: Nice to have a win?
A: Yes, it was a bit of a grind. The boys were good enough to hold in there and get the win.
Q: Not often you see Tommy Stewart kicking goals.
A: Yes, it’s great. He won’t be afraid to tell you about it.
Q: From watching it looked like a high-quality, high-speed game. Did it feel like that ground?
A: Definitely. Out at Marvel Stadium, it is quick footy, quick skills. They have a strong midfield, strong forward line, they’re strong all over the ground. We knew we had a grind and a battle ahead of us but I felt the midfield dug in, the backline did well.
Q: Your mask sort of looks like something out of ‘Phantom Of The Opera’.
A: It is not as bad you as you think but I’m glad to have it off. It is good for a straight line, but when the ball is all over the shop it’s like your vision is a bit off. But it is good, good quality. I won’t be wearing it next game.
Q: Tell us about Oisin.
A: He’s a legend.
Q: Fifth game.
A: Yeah, he’s come out, just got stuck in. He’s improved every day. We love him at the Cats. He’s really bought into our culture. He’s a jet. He’s a gun. I love him.
Q: At one point, he had done 13km… He was second highest. Must be a natural.
A: All the boys who come from Gaelic footy are natural athletes. He’s a beast along with all our other Irish boys.
Q: When he arrived and saw a football for the first time. That’s only, what, is it, seven, eight months ago…?
A: Yeah, it was ridiculous.
Q: How was he?
A: Oh, he was good.
Q: Straight away.
A: I remember our first session or pre-season that he was there we were doing just skills warm-up and he was lacing out every kick. It must correlate a bit…
Q: It’s got to be.
A: They all seem to be very well-skilled and he’s no exception.
Q: He was twice the young footballer of the year, he’s in the all-star team, only 23 now and it’s been said he is the equivalent of Nick Daicos.
A: It shows. Fifth game, we’re lucky to have him and we’ll do our best to make him feel welcome and happy at the Cats for as long as he can because he’s going to be a star.
Q: What have you got for the bye?
A: I’m actually going to Phillip Island.