In the lead-up to the 2021 season, Dons Digital is checking in with some of the Bombers' promising youngsters as they strive to make their mark in 2021.

The final instalment is Essendon’s second 2020 NAB AFL Draft selection Archie Perkins, who takes us through how he’s finding his first pre-season at AFL level, the position he’s training in and what he's setting out to achieve this year.

Catch up on previous chats with Nik Cox, Sam Draper, Ned Cahill, Harrison Jones and Brayden Ham.

Archie, how’s pre-season been for you so far? 

“It’s been really good. Obviously, it’s quite a step up in intensity and a higher level than what I’ve been used to. Coming in from quite a lack of footy last year, it took a bit to adjust to, but throughout the break last year, I kept up the fundamentals and fitness, and that held me in good stead. It took me a week or two to get back into the routine of training quite a lot of days in a week, but now I’m ready and have adjusted quite well and can back up multiple sessions in a week.”

Have there been any surprises or things you’ve experienced so far that you didn’t expect? 

“Probably a surprise is how you have three main sessions a week and you’re expected to back them up. Saturday and Monday were quite physically draining sessions and only being a day apart, it’s quite challenging to go again and again. The older boys are kind of used to that, but for a younger guy like me, it’s quite new to me. So that was a surprise, but I’m getting used to it now.”

What’s a personal attribute you’ve noticed has improved over pre-season? 

“I’d say my running patterns. Sometimes I got a bit lost, but throughout pre-season and going out there and just practicing and putting some of the things you learn off the field and into action out on the ground has helped me improve, I think.”

What position have you been training in mostly? 

“I’ve been training in the forward line. If I’m lucky enough to get a game, that’s where I’ll be playing. The forward line these days is still quite involved with getting higher up the ground and there’s even a few forward roles which require you to start up at the stoppage and get involved there and then work hard back into the forward line. I’ve been training in a few of those positions regularly.”

Is that the position you see yourself playing in regularly, or would you like to move into a midfield role? 

“I think I can play forward really well, and I’ll always have an impact down there as my career progresses. At some stage I’ll certainly look to transition into the midfield as well and develop that side of my game. But I think that having the versatility to do both is one of my attributes and makes me the player I am.”

What’s some advice you’ve received from the coaches in terms of coping with pre-season, given you’ve missed a whole year of footy in 2020? 

“Not just the coaches, but even the whole high performance team have said to me, 'Be honest with yourself'. (Essentially) don’t push yourself too hard knowing it could impact you. They say you’d rather have one session lighter on so you’re able to train the next few after that than go too hard and then you’re out longer than you’d like to be. They’ve also said to ask plenty of questions; there’s no wrong questions, everything you ask is going to help you out and just try and learn as much as you can early.”

Is there anyone in particular who’s taken you under their wing this pre-season to help you improve?

“Probably our forwards coach ‘DJ’ (Daniel Jordan). He’s helped me with my positioning, where I’ve got to set up and the different roles I’m playing as a forward. Also ‘Robbo’ (Cameron Roberts, welfare and development coach) has been a stable guy to go to if you’ve got any queries. Not only forward-line things, but anything you need to know or want to ask questions about, he’s pretty good to have and he’s been really helpful for me.”

If we were chatting in 10 months' time, what are some of the goals you’d like to have reached and accomplished in 2021?

“I definitely want to feature at senior level at some point in the season. I’d probably just like to play one game at a minimum and build from there to earn the right to play senior footy. Then if I get there, just hold my spot. Also, team success is something I’d like to be involved with and a part of.”