Port Adelaide fan-favourite Willem Drew is preparing to play his 100th AFL game this Friday night, and it’s a moment that means a lot to the 25-year-old.
After a string of foot injuries inhibited the first few years of his AFL career, Drew wasn’t sure he would ever reach this point, making the milestone even more special.
Drew spoke to the Adelaide media on Tuesday about what game 100 means, how tight the competition is, and what he expects from Carlton on Friday night.
Drew on his 100th game
“Yeah, obviously something that I’m extremely proud of. And I suppose for me, it’s just being grateful about the journey that I’ve had so far and being able to be at this club for eight years, and I’ve still got a couple more to go. But yeah, something that I’m really proud of. And I know my family and all my mates are as well. So, yeah, very pumped.
“I’ve got a few coming down from Warrnambool so I’ve got a fair few family and mates coming down but yeah, obviously it’s going to be really special game and yeah, I’m super pumped to have them there as well.”
Drew on his foot injury early in his career
“Yeah, there was a little bit of, sort of, question marks around that, and not knowing what was going on. But yeah, I’ve had so many great people at this club that have supported me and helped me along the journey that, yeah, it’s sort of, I suppose made me into the player I am today, and definitely wasn’t easy at the start. But super grateful for that now.
“I definitely had to lean on some experienced players, and I suppose the medical staff as well. So they’ve been massive for me. And my family and friends as well back home have been great support for me. And yeah, really pleasing to get through those tough times and come out the other end of it.”
Drew celebrates a win on debut at the MCG in Round 1 2019. Image: AFL Photos.
Drew on stepping into the leadership group this year
“I suppose it’s been a bit of a step up this year and in the leadership side of things, and I suppose for me, it wasn’t something that I probably thought would happen, but I’ve really enjoyed it and working with a great bunch of boys. We’re all new in the positions as well and yeah, Connor and Zak have been super this year. So it’s been great to work with them. I think (leadership is) something that you can always sort of improve on and learn new things and I’ve been able to learn off some great people over the years as well so that’s definitely helped me.”
Drew on Carlton this week
“Yeah, obviously, a great opportunity for us and something that we’re really excited about. Obviously, the competition is so close at that moment. And these games are massive for our season and, yeah, look, we’ve got a pretty tough run home, but it’s something that we’re excited about, and really looking forward to.
“Yeah, I think looking back to that game (the loss in Round 12) was pretty close for three quarters, and they were sort of able to get on top in the last quarter. But yeah, they’ve got a great midfield and a great team. And it’s another challenge for us to step up and really get the back half of our season going.”
Drew on how even the competition is
“It’s super tight and super close and every game is going to make a difference at the back end of the season. So yeah, look, obviously having five or six games to go but yeah, every one’s important for us. And it’s something that we’re ready for. As I’ve said, we’re just excited about the challenge ahead and our next opportunity is up against Carlton on a Friday night game, which we’re looking forward to and it’s going to be a good game.”
