Tune into SUNS TV for the full interview
By Michael Whiting
josh Fraser is the oldest player at Gold Coast SUNS and out-of-contract at the end of 2012, but the veteran ruckman is not thinking about retiring yet.
In fact the 1999 No.1 draft pick, who turned 30 earlier this week and is about to enter his 13th season in the AFL, said he was feeling the best he had in years.
Fraser played 16 games last season and switched between ruck relief for boom prospect Zac Smith and a forward role alongside youngsters Tom Lynch and Sam Day.
Although his numbers were not huge, he averaged a respectable 15 disposals and 13 hit-outs per game, and kicked 12 goals for the season.
Entering the final year of his contract, the former Magpie said he had no inkling what he would do in 2013.
"My thought is to get myself up for Monday at this stage and train well," Fraser joked, after a match simulation training session on Friday.
"I'm absolutely not even thinking about [next year]. Even if I get through the year and feel good and have a good season, I'll still have a decision to make and have a conversation with Bluey (coach Guy McKenna). It's certainly not even in my thinking at this stage."
In 2011 Fraser was ousted from the No. 1 ruck spot by Smith, and this season he will need to fend off challenges from Daniel Gorringe – whose season was wrecked by injury – and the impressive Tom Nichols and Tom Hickey.
The forward line options include Lynch, Day and a much trimmer Charlie Dixon.
But Fraser said he would embrace the challenge thrown up by the plethora of tall options.
"I don't see there's a pecking order at this stage," Fraser said.
"I'll be used where I'm needed best. If Smithy's holding up in the ruck, that gives me the luxury of going forward, (but) if Smithy's struggling in the ruck, it gives me the opportunity to go in there.
"Combine that with trying to develop Tom Hickey, Dan Gorringe and Tommy Nichols as well - we've got to have an eye to the future - my role is a lot of things, it's playing well, it's playing forward, it's playing in the ruck, it's bringing those young guys along as well."
Fraser said he could not be happier with his own progress.
He paid credit to the GC SUNS strength-and-conditioning staff for ensuring he was fresh for each session during the pre-season.
Since moving from Collingwood to the Gold Coast prior to last season, Fraser said he had been impressed by the young GC SUNS character more than anything.
"They're a great young group," he said.
"Obviously the talent everyone can see, but the group's got character and I'm really excited for the footy club.
"I think going forward under Bluey with the structure they've got, they're going to have some real success. I'm eager to play a part in that and help them develop as much as I can. And when I retire, I'll sit back and enjoy watching them, that's for sure."
