At the Bar with Brendan McCartney

INSIDER: Congratulations on making it through to a Grand Final - the response in last week’s Preliminary was emphatic - how’s your confidence levels and the general vibe of the group heading into the big one?

BRENDAN MCCARTNEY: Forgive the run against Darley in SF2 but we're still improving.

INSIDER: Does the 'just another game' cliche fit a Grand Final in your eyes?

BM: Well, it is. It's a game of footy - you do your best - whatever happens, happens. The heightened interest is more external.

INSIDER: It's the club’s first Grand Final appearance since 2015 - have you managed to tick all the boxes since your appointment? Unfortunately, we'll never know how your undefeated 2021 season would end...

BM: Our aim has been to provide a pathway for our younger blokes and we're doing that.

INSIDER: How are you enjoying your return to local footy?

BM: Been great. Had a ball largely due to the quality of people at the club.

INSIDER: From your observations how is the standard of footy in the BFNL - would it stack up around the state?

BM: The good teams play well and would measure up.

INSIDER: Name the #1 non-negotiable we would expect you to write first on the white board?

BM: Attack the ball.

INSIDER: You've one of the more premier ruckman in the comp in Cam McCullum - more broadly, how do you value the importance of the ruckman in modern day footy?

BM: Critical. They've always been super important. First picked.

INSIDER: Who has been the one opposition player that has caused you the most grief in any one game?

BM: Simon Black when I was at the Cats.

INSIDER: What other sport could you coach at a high level if there were no footy?

BM: Most ball sports require team strategy.

INSIDER: In a freakish sense, which player at the club can do things on-field that others can't?

BM: Jack Riding

INSIDER: Who at the club has the most upside from a junior perspective?

BM: Josh Sparkman

INSIDER: Who at North Ballarat would you like kicking for goal after the siren to win you a game of footy?

BM: Jamie Quick

INSIDER: Who is the quickest at the club over 30m?

BM: Taj McMillan

INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at the club?

BM: Mick Ryan

INSIDER: What’s your poison (preferred drink)?

BM: Beer - Melbourne Bitter

INSIDER: What's your favorite TV series or Movie?

BM: Sport Docos

INSIDER: If you had to cook for the whole club what would be your signature dish of approval?

BM: BBQ

INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show?

BM: Ryan Hobbs

INSIDER: Who at the club thinks they're funnier than they really are?

BM: Ned Nash

INSIDER: Favorite AFL player?

BM: Matthew Scarlett

INSIDER: Finally, describe your opponent this week, Darley, today in a word?

BM: Tough