Fremantle forward Hayden Crozier says his time with NBA star Shaquille O’Neil during his off-season trip to the United States was an incredible learning experience which included lunch with 191cm Charlotte point guard Jeremy Lin.
 
“The best thing about that trip was being able to learn what they do day-to-day and how they prepare,” he said.
 
“Even having lunch with Jeremy Lin, he went from the highest of highs at New York to the lowest of lows at the start when he was undrafted trying to get into the system.
 
“I was absolutely stoked to be able to rub shoulders with them and hang around them in general.”

Crozier on his Shaq love
 
Crozier says his decision to sign a two-year contract extension in August was easy after a consistent season in the WAFL and highlighted his strong love for the club.
 
“I absolutely love the boys to death here,” he said.
 
“I love the players, love the fans, it was a pretty easy decision for me to stay.
 
“I’m happy staying here, I think I’ll get the best out of myself.”
 
While recent additions to the squad, including Harley Bennell and Darcy Tucker may add pressure to senior spots, Crozier says competition is good for the playing group.
 
“You have to be patient coming in, especially in the situation that I was in,” he said.
 
“Coming into a club that’s going well, you’ve got to wait your turn and try play consistent footy at WAFL level.
 
“Be patient and your time will come.”
 
Crozier says he is currently focussed on gaining weight whilst the playing group continues to drill football basics in the pre-season.

Pre-season report: Skills tested
 
“[I’m] just continuing to build the tank up, lift weights, that’s what we’re all trying to do here,” he said.
 
“The amount of size [Nathan Fyfe] put on in a couple of years, obviously without losing any running ability, is something to look up to.
 
“I’m just consistently trying to work as hard as I can in the gym and get my body right.”
 
Crozier says the playing group is ready for a strong pre-season alongside new coaches David Hale, Brent Guerra and Anthony Rock.
 
“The boys came back in good shape and [we’re] looking forward to a strong preseason,” he said.
 
“Our footy last year didn’t end up the way we wanted it to, so we’ll come back and improve and drive ourselves for pre-season.
 
“This time of year, all we’re focusing on is our running and our weights programs.”