Back against the wall up against Brisbane tomorrow, how is the side feeling?
We’ve had a good weeks on the track, it was really disappointing last week and we’ve got some things to prove. We just want to come out and play some consistent football. I thought last week our first half was really good and we just want to get back to that. This week it will be solely basics and role.
 
Luke Ryan said last week he didn’t think getting into a shootout was a good idea, will it be back to defensive basics against Brisbane?
Yes definitely. I think last week in the first half it turned into a bit of a shootout. Looking back on that there were some simple basics that can fix those goals. I think Brisbane are a really good in form team in the competition and playing on their home ground will be a tough challenge, but one we’re up to.
 
Did Luke Ryan get through training?
No, Luke Ryan is still a little bit off. He was running laps at training. He’s come to the Gold Coast just to get around the other defenders and help out.
 
How’s your back going?
It’s come a long way since the start of the season. I had a focus on some treatment and it’s getting better each week. There’s always niggles that you pick up throughout the year but for the most part my body is feeling better each week and I think I’m running out games a lot better.

Your form has been fantastic in a forward line that’s chopped and changed a bit, what do you put that down to and how do you expect the forward line to work against Brisbane?
We’ve had plenty of guys go through there during the season, I don’t think we’ve had a forward line that’s been the same six or seven forwards each week. I think that’s the beauty of our team, we’ve got a lot of guys that play a very similar role and that can come in and we can trust them to do their job. Tomorrow will be no different, I think we’ve got some experience up there with myself, Michael Walters and Rory Lobb and young guys like Liam Henry. We just need to lead the way and I think if we can lead the way as tall forwards, myself and Rory, and bring these small guys into the game, we’ll look really dangerous.
 
How will your defence look tomorrow? Are you confident that the guys coming in to replace Chapman and the others will be able to get the job done?
Yes definitely. I think earlier in the pre-season you would say our defence has got the most depth in terms of size and flexibility so no doubt it hurts having 'Chappy' out and Ethan Hughes who’s been a great player for us this season. I’m really confident with the guys coming in, Taylin Duman is hungry and can play a really good role, Tobe Watson was really good last week I thought so we’ll back those guys in.
 
Have you had a chance to Josh Treacy and did you have any advice for him?
Yes, I spoke to him briefly and just reinforced that everything he’s doing is the right thing. He’s playing consistent football in the WAFL when he had to go back there so I think it’s not so much his ability but they just want to get some football into him and consistent minutes so he can develop his game. He’ll play a really important role for the rest of the season I’m sure and he goes back with the right attitude, he was in a good mood.
 
Do you think there’s a chance you’ll return to WA ahead of the Essendon game now that the situation there is looking much better?
As it stands I think we’ll stay over here. The club had to make a decision with the circumstances at the time and liaise with the AFL and this was the best solution with the circumstances. I wouldn’t have thought so on that, I think the players are all fine and happy to do it and it cuts down the amount of time we’ll spend on the plane so we’re all for it.

You have a pretty good record at the Gabba, are you expecting an opponent in particular?
We played them in round two last year and they’ve got some really capable talls. Harris Andrews has been one of the best defenders in the game over the last couple of seasons so whether it be him, Marcus Adams or I expect Gardiner to maybe come in off concussion. I don’t know if they’re as much a lockdown defence as some other teams so they might be happy to hand over, but I expect probably Harris Andrews or Marcus Adams.
 
Brisbane we’re able to keep Port Adelaide to just five goals last week, how much of a challenge does that present to you personally and the forward group?
I think with Brisbane they restrict opponent’s goals, not just with their six key defenders but with the whole 18 guys on the field. I’ve got no doubt if we can get some supply our six forwards are capable of scoring or we’ve got a lot of midfielders who can kick goals as well. Even last week in the first half I thought when we gave our six or seven forwards some supply, we were able to kick a score. It will be a whole team challenge to get the ball in the forward 50 and lock it in there.
 
How do you see the midfield battle playing out?
Brisbane are not really dependant on Lachie Neale, they’ve got some really quality players in there. Dane Zorko has been a really good player for a long time so they’ve got some weapons but with our midfield we have a good blend of experience with Nat Fyfe and David Mundy as well as the young guys. Andy Brayshaw has been really good all season and has drawn plenty of attention and Caleb Serong has come a long way and is improving with each game he plays. It will be a really good battle and it will be a crucial one to see how the game turns out.
 
How important is it to get a win here?
It will be great. Away wins are crucial if you want to play finals football and it’s something we’ve really focused on. It was good to get a result last time we were on the road against Adelaide and if we can get one over here, particularly on Sunday against Brisbane, it will set our season up. We’ll be hungry to get the result, but it will be really process driven. That’s all we’re focused on as players and hopefully the result will fall our way.
 
Do you expect any other changes to the team, will anyone else come out?
I think for the most part everyone trained pretty well on Friday so not from my knowledge.

Injury update: Tough news for duo
Gallery: Gym session on the Gold Coast
Cez on track