My name is David Heaton. I am a mad keen Gold Coast GC SUNS supporter and 2011 member.I’m a local school teacher, coach and have been involved in youth AFL development for many years. Here is an extract from my interview with the mighty Michael Rischitelli!

QWhat attracted you to first become involved with playing AFL?

When I was a junior my Dad used to play a bit of footy, so I think I had it in the genes. I really enjoyed playing around and having a kick with my brother in the backyard. When Dad came home for work we would go over to the local school and have a kick around. I really enjoyed getting out and running around. Dad would take me to watch AFL games and I thought the atmosphere of the big crowd was awesome. I enjoyed watching the big guys out there playing on the grounds. I just got a buzz out of it.

QWhat advice would you give to junior players to help them reach greater heights with their football career?

The main piece of advice would be to really enjoy your football and not to put too much pressure on yourself. Listen to the advice of your parents and coaches. Your skills will keep on developing, so just remain positive.

QWhat clubs did you play your junior football at and what positions did you generally play?

I played my junior football for Keilor Football Club (The Blues). I started in under 10s and played through to under 16s until I was selected to play in the TAC Cup with The Western Jets. I usually played in the midfield as a ruck rover or rover

QHow did you transition from a junior club player to being selected to play for the Western Jets, and what development squads were you involved in?

I grew up in the Western Jets local area and some talent scouts came down to a game, wrote down my name and sent me out an invite to come down for a trial. I made the cut and I was placed in a development training squad. Once I began training with the Jets, I began to realise that I might have a chance to take my game further and play at a higher level.

QAs a junior footballer what extra fitness/ skills training did you do outside of club training to further develop your football?

I didn’t really do all that much extra training, either skills or fitness beyond what I did down at the club. I mainly just worked with my Dad on the feedback from my coaches.

QWhat 5 essential skills/areas do you believe junior players and coaches should place an emphasis on consistently developing?

1. Harnessing the enjoyment of the game

2. Listening to the feedback from your coaches

3. Focussing on what you need to do in each game - one game at a time

4. Setting some achievable goals, without putting too much pressure on yourself5 Always remaining very positive about your game

QAs a leader at the GC SUNS how are you supporting the younger players in the 2011 squad?

My role is mainly about providing a voice of experience to other players. It’s about making yourself available as another support person, and being approachable to discuss on and off field matters. As leaders, we also set an example of how to conduct yourself professionally on the training track and how to get the best out of yourself as an AFL footballer.

QWhich GC SUNS players do you believe will be rotating through the midfield engine room in 2011?

I think there will be quite a few rotating with the main players being Jarred Brennan, Gary Ablett, Daniel Harris, David Swallow and Maverick Weller.

QWhich 2 GC SUNS players should I be putting into my Dream Team that you believe will be a standout in 2011?

Daniel Harris and David Swallow - they’re both looking like having strong performances this year.