Young defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher tells us about his typical day at the club and what he does away from it.
Take us through what you do before you travel into the NEC Hangar for a training session.
I get up pretty early at 6am, shower, brush my teeth and come into the footy club. I do my COVID-19 test and then head up to the kitchen for a coffee and toasted sandwich.
What time do you get to the NEC Hangar for a training day?
Generally 6:45. I get here early because I don’t like to be stressed.
What’s your pre-training routine?
Bit of hip exercises in the gym and some activations. I’ll also do some craftwork and work on my footwork with guys like Alex Rance, who’s been great with helping me with that.
How’s pre-season going?
We’ve got a fair chunk in now and it’s been great to have Alex Rance who’s opened my eyes with footwork and positioning to impact a contest. I’m also happy to be on the track because last year was interrupted, so I’m fit and firing.
What’s an area you’re trying to improve on this pre-season?
My fitness and positioning on opponents.
Which training drill is your favourite to do?
Any line drills we do with forwards against backs. I like the competition that’s going on now. I’ve been matching up on Peter Wright, Kaine Baldwin and Aaron Francis, who’ve been working well together to keep us on our toes.
Other than yourself, which teammate has hit the ground running this pre-season?
I have to go with Kaine Baldwin. Everyone has got their eyes on him, and he’s been appearing on social media over the break, and he came back in fine form.
What’s an essential item in your training kit?
Probably the pink guernseys. The boys love them. It suits the tanned boys with their complexion.
What’s your go-to post-training recovery feed?
Today was an Xmas roast and also Pavlova, so the boys were stoked, and it was unreal.
What do you usually do when you get home from a training day?
I’m knackered when I get home, so I chuck the feet up or cook if it’s my night to do so.
How are you spending your days off?
Lately, I’ve been doing a bit of golf and also watching movies. My favourite ones are Leonardo DiCaprio’s films in Catch Me If You Can and Wolf of Wall Street.
What are some of your favourite hobbies?
Bit of golfing, some online games and catching up with some of the boys. For the games, I’m on the PC and play Fortnite which is great to connect with the little brother over that.
Favourite social media platform?
Probably Instagram and Snapchat.
