- Match report: Pies edge out Freo
- Ballas pleased with effort for Johnno
- 'The best supporters in Australia' - Johnno
Sam Switkowski is only two games into his AFL career but the small forward feels he’s already come a long way in that time.
The 21-year-old player kicked the first goal of his career on against Collingwood on Saturday at Optus Stadium as the first-year player showed plenty of promise with 17 disposals and four inside 50s.
“Today was a big step forward for me,” Switkowski said.
“My body felt a lot fresher out there, I managed to run out the game a lot better.
“I had a little bit of cramp at the end but I feel I’m always building each game.
“I’ve got two games under my belt so I feel I have a lot more confidence in my footy as well as my body going into next year, which is good.”
Switkowski’s goal came courtesy of a clever tap to keep the ball ahead of him and a burst of pace to stay ahead of two Collingwood defenders.
“I was too tired to celebrate really,” Switkowski said about the moment.
“It was a long run but I just managed to pick up a nice ground ball, wheel around and sneak it through.
“It was a good moment and one I probably won’t forget. It was also nice to get that one through so it’s not lingering through to next year..”
While Switkowski says he’ll make the most of his off-season, he already can’t wait to get back to work in the pre-season.
“I haven’t planned too much in the off-season. I’ll have a few trips here and there,” Switkowski said.
“I’ll probably enjoy a couple week and see family and friends back home and I’ll also train a bit.
“It sounds funny but I’m quite excited for the pre-season, for me to put on a few kilos, build the body up and get ready to come out firing for round one next year.”