At the Bar with Troy Scoble
INSIDER: Congratulations on the journey so far, mate. Win/loss aside, it's been a tough year for the club. What has a spot in the grand final done for the morale of the Bloods’ family?
TROY SCOBLE: The challenges experienced galvanize and strengthen our connection. Provides genuine feedback to us all that we have a unique environment with genuine people.
INSIDER: Do you think the current playing group is undervalued or underappreciated more broadly given their impeccable win/loss record dating back as far as 2018?
TS: Absolutely. The numbers don’t lie on the group’s performance this home and away season. The acknowledgement or lack thereof is not our concern, seeking external acknowledgement has never been a goal.
INSIDER: If so, should the covid epidemic take some responsibility for us missing out on the Bloods’ full potential through 2020-21?
TS: Great question. The age profile of the group may suggest they lost some opportunities. However, there are other teams over the period that would have felt the same.
INSIDER: You're harder to play against in 2024 – what is the reason behind that? You could look at percentage, depth, maturity of talent, system, anything else?
TS: Combination of all but system, development and trust in the list is the reason. Talent has no influence.
INSIDER: Scoreboard aside, what's the one stat you'd like to win today?
TS: Pressure rating
INSIDER: What is your #1 non-negotiable asked of the players each week?
TS: Know your role, play your role.
INSIDER: Playing group aside, is there another battle going on on-field between coaches - are some harder to play against than others - do some work out your theories better than others where you need to adapt on the run?
TS: There is. Love the challenge. Some terrific coaches in the competition that challenge your coaches’ box, and you build your learning when you coach against them.
INSIDER: It must've been a proud moment seeing both of your boys Max and Chase play senior footy together... how was that reality for you?
TS: As a coach, love seeing players earn opportunities. As a parent, a thrill for our family. Also being a part of five sets of brothers playing in a game is a great memory for them.
INSIDER: Who is your harshest critic?
TS: My wife, Michelle!
INSIDER: Favorite BFNL ground away from MacPherson Park?
TS: Darley Park
INSIDER: What other sport could you coach at a high level if there were no footy?
TS: One trick wonder. None.
INSIDER: In a freakish sense, which player at the club can do things on-field that others can't?
TS: Lachie Phillips
INSIDER: Who at the club has the most upside from a junior perspective?
TS: Blood’s bank is full - too many to individualize!
INSIDER: Who is the most fundamentally skilled player at the club?
TS: Kyle Borg
INSIDER: Who is your favorite footy person at the club?
TS: All of the volunteers
INSIDER: Are you a footy head - how do you consume your footy each week?
TS: I love footy and the strategies that go with it. Watch a bit of AFL, have some good networks.
INSIDER: If you had to cook for the whole club what would be your signature dish of approval?
TS: Some form of meat on a spit.
INSIDER: Invite 5 people whoever you like to sit at the dinner table with you...
TS: My wife Michelle, Roger Federer, Luke Hodge, Tom Brady.
INSIDER: Who at the club would most likely win a million dollars on a quiz show?
TS: Jordy Kight
INSIDER: Who at the club thinks they're funnier than they really are?
TS: Can't answer without offending haha!
INSIDER: Name a player that has any unusual, weird superstitions ahead of game time...
TS: Couple of players (nameless) like to shower pregame!
INSIDER: Favorite AFL club and player?
TS: Hawthorn, Toby Greene
INSIDER: If you could add three players from other BFNL clubs to your list, who would you pick?
TS: Brett Bewley (Darley), Brady Wright (Darley), Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat) & Tony Lockyer (Sebastopol).
INSIDER: I said you could only have three! haha
