New recruit Kieran Foran today fronted the media as he arrived at Belmore to begin preparations for the 2018 season.
Read more quotes below from Foran's press conference at Belmore Sports Ground today.
How does it feel to be back in Sydney?
It’s been good. I have been here at Belmore for most of the off-season. I’m looking forward to the year ahead at the Dogs and getting my body sorted and hopefully playing some good footy.
How does it make you feel that Des isn’t here?
Des is a great friend of mine and it’s always hard when a coach gets the sack, but I’m focused on the future and really looking forward to working with Dean (Pay) and being a part of such a great club. I’m really excited. They’re a great bunch of lads and I’m looking forward to ripping in during the pre-season. I signed a three-year deal with the club and that was around the club, not Des. Dean (Pay) and I have caught up plenty of times and I’m really looking forward to the year ahead and playing under him.
Are you ready for the pressure?
I’m excited for the year ahead. It’s a really proud club and I’m just looking forward to the challenge. Hopefully we can be really competitive in every game and play an exciting brand of footy.
Do you feel any expectations on your shoulders?
No, not really. It’s all about enjoying your footy. I think that’s what we want to do heading into next year. We want to have a big pre-season and just really enjoy our footy next year with one another and create a great environment. Hopefully there are some exciting times ahead.
How’s the body and the injuries?
It’s coming along nicely. It was battered up this year and I’m getting on top of it slowly. It’s been a process, but I’m working hard on it every day in the gym.
How much of the pre-season are you going to participate in?
Hopefully I’m back running with the boys in the next few weeks. I’ve been in the gym for the past three weeks and getting on top of the injuries. Another couple of weeks of rehab work with the physios and trainers before I can get back on the field and into the ball work.
What excites you most about the Bulldogs?
It’s a proud club. It’s a big club with a great supporter base. It’s been awesome getting into Belmore each morning and getting a coffee, because they (the fans) love their footy. I get along with the boys really well here. It’s just exciting times and I just want to get back to enjoy my footy.
Do you think you can get back to the form from a few years ago?
It’s been a hard couple of years finding that consistency and playing my best footy. Hopefully I can get back there. It’s one step at a time. My first step is getting my body right through pre-season and then getting out on the field and building some combinations at a new club. Hopefully we can be really competitive next year.
When will you start doing contact and testing your body?
It will most likely be early next year. Pre-Christmas I won’t be doing too much contact work and anything like that. It will mainly be about strengthening my body back up and getting on top of those injuries that I had. Hopefully early next year I will be back in the swing of things.
Was there a point where you lost the love for the game?
I wouldn’t say love for the game. I would say that it has been challenging. I have had various things to deal with and they have been private matters. It’s all behind me now and I’m fully focused on the future and what’s in front of me. Hopefully I can get back to playing some great footy.
