The orange boots were a hit with the fans, he wasn’t shy in celebrating a goal and he has already got himself 189 friends in The Hangar – he is clearly a popular young man. But he is fully aware football is not a popularity contest and for him to carve out a career of significance he needs to keep improving his football.
“People ask where you need to get better but I think I need to get better in all areas,” Reimers said.
“If I had to pinpoint something I would say I need to get much fitter than I have been. The defensive side of my game is something I need to get better at and if I am fitter, it should help with that side of things.
“I have been doing a lot of interval running. The type of running you do varies from player to player depending on your body and what the fitness staff reckon you can handle. They are careful about not breaking players down.”
Reimers, 19, played 15 games last season – mainly as a roaming wing / half-forward. He played the role to reasonable effect, kicking 13 goals and averaging about 15 possessions per game. It is an output that needs to grow and a solid pre-season will be a key to that being the case in 2009.
In 2008 he spent time on a number of quality opponents last season including Dale Thomas and Nathan Van Berlo. He also spent some time manning up Chris Judd across half back when Essendon played Carlton.
“I’m not sure at the moment. They did create a bit of hype. The coach said he didn’t mind what colour I wear, as long as I get a kick,” Reimers said.
