Since arriving in Melbourne on Saturday, the champion full back has wasted no time getting into the swing of training. And with a fresh start, Michael believes the change in environment will avoid the burnout he was feeling while balancing both his work and football commitments in Brisbane.
""Last season, training everyday and doing my personal business commitments, I wasn’t going to bed until three o’clock in the morning. I wasn’t prepared to do that again but I’m glad Essendon have given me the chance to play again,"" Michael explained.
However despite gaining a new opportunity with the Bombers, Michael is confident there will be no animosity between himself and the Lions.
""For me it is just my former club, it's my former employer. I don’t have any ill feelings towards them. I am still good friends with a lot of team-mates up there and I would like to think that in ten years or 15 years time when I have finished football that I can go back to Grand Final reunions and I can see my old team-mates and there won’t be any problems.
""Most of the guys called me. I think there were about 15 players who called me and they just wished me luck and said congratulations on finding a new home.""
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And despite enjoying his playing days at Brisbane, Michael is positive about regaining his passion for the game and is ready to move on with his new footballing adventure.
""Twelve years ago I was sitting in their office as a 17 year old when they said they weren’t going to draft me and they didn’t want me, he explained.
""It is a little bit ironic that 12 years later they are a bit angry that I have left the club.
""Everyone moves on in life and I am hoping that they will do the same as well.""
With an extended break that included a month in Thailand, Michael feels passionate about getting his body right and is positive he can put in a solid pre-season and be ready to join a rejuvenated Essendon defensive unit.
""All the boys look really fit. They have had a couple of months headstart on me and they look all in good condition. Most of the players are all fit and healthy so things are looking pretty good for the club for next season.
""In all honesty, I probably still need a couple of months to condition myself. I did the warm-up today and about half an hour of skills and I was pretty tired after that.
""For me it was a good point to see where I was at and also it gives me a good idea of where I need to get to for the start of the season.""
To view the full press conference on Bomber.tv click here.
