The Cats are purring with delight as their top player, Steven King, returns to the Aussie Rules’ field

WORDS CRAIG TANSLEY

In 2006, Steven King had a season he’d rather forget. So would Geelong fans – the Cats won just 10 out of their 22 games in the Australian Football League season. But this year the former captain is back, fitter than ever and ready to return to his legendary form. He’s also hoping to help do something about male suicide in rural Australia through his work with the new “Coach the Coach” program training local football coaches to recognise depression. We spoke to King as the 2007 season kicked off.

How would you rate your form last season?
It was really disappointing for me; I just didn’t have the preparation to get me going. I wasn’t running till mid-January and I’d only played half a VFL [Victorian Football League] game before the season started.

You were in a wheelchair at the end of the 2005 season after an Achilles operation and a torn tendon. How frustrating was it to be so immobilised?
It was horrible. All my mates were away enjoying themselves after the season and I was stuck here, bored out of my brain. I couldn’t do a thing.

Ever wondered if you’ve been plagued by some Stephen King curse, having the same name as the horror fiction writer?
No. (Laughs) I had a great run early in my career, I played three or four seasons without missing a game – that didn’t start till I was 24 or 25 – and I’ve been playing for Geelong since I was 16 years old.

Was it a blow letting go of the captaincy, or a relief?
It was a decision I was going to make, I couldn’t fulfil my role, because of my body and my form. I just wanted to get back to enjoying my footy.

Will the captaincy return to you if you stay injury-free this season?
No. I’ve had my time and I’d prefer to see the other guys develop their leadership skills. Being a leader is just a label anyway. I still see my role, being a senior player, as helping out the younger guys.

What chance do you think Geelong has for the flag this year?
We’ve got a good chance. We were very disappointing last season, everything that could go wrong went wrong. It was one of those years. But this year we’re training better, we’re a lot more professional – we’ll be very competitive. Whether that’s enough to win the flag, well, come and see me in September.

So you don’t want to jinx yourself with too big a prediction?
No. Last year we won the pre-season cup and everyone fancied us for the flag and look what happened!

Who’ll win the cup this year?
I always like the chances of the interstate teams, I think Sydney and West Coast will be hard to beat and Freo [the Fremantle Dockers] is looking really good… and St Kilda. It’s really open.

If the body goes this year, can we expect you to retire too?
I’m being positive. I’ve been playing 13 years and I want to keep playing as long as I can. I know I’ve got at least a few more years in me.

How have the injuries affected your life?
It’s been hard. Footy’s a 24/7 job and when you can’t do it, it brings you down, I’ve struggled with that the last couple of years. But being spokesman for the Coach the Coach scheme puts it all in perspective. Teen suicide in this country is at an alarming level – being able to try and help kids who can’t talk about their problems has really made me realise how tough a lot of kids, especially in country areas, have it.

How does the program work?
Footy coaches are being taught to be aware of their players. Guys don’t always want to talk to their parents or teachers, but they usually have a great relationship with their coach. So the scheme teaches coaches to keep an eye on their players and it teaches them how to motivate players for life, not just footy.

How did you get involved?
It started through footy clubs near where I’m from, Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley, and they wanted a local player with a profile to launch the scheme.

Wrapped and
strapped marked
Steven King’s
2006 appearance.
But watch out
2007 − he’s back.

Does it make you realise there’s more to life than footy?
For sure. While you’re playing football you think it’s the most important thing, but then you realise, it might be a profession for us, but it’s also just a game. There’s nothing like a few years of injuries to make you realise that! (Laughs)

Finally, are you expecting a Brownlow or a Best and Fairest this season?
I just want to do my job each week for the team. That’ll give me more fulfilment than any personal goal.

For all your travel choices, go to jetstar.com

SHOOTING GOALS

Since 2005, the Jetstar Shooting Star Program has been recognising and rewarding volunteers, the secret backbone of many a sports club. While it began among Geelong’s local football clubs, the year-long competition is now open to all the sporting clubs in the Geelong, Bellarine and Surf Coast area.

Every week Jetstar is giving you the opportunity to say thank you to these clubs’ loyal volunteers by nominating them for a Shooting Star award. Just write in 250 words or less why you think they’re a Jetstar Shooting Star. Fifteen Jetstar Shooting Stars will be recognised throughout the year, each winning two seats in a VIP Private Box at a Geelong home game at Skilled Stadium. One of the 15 will win the 2007 Jetstar Shooting Star of the Year award and receive the grand prize of a return flight for two from Melbourne-Avalon to Brisbane, plus accommodation (terms and conditions apply).

Send your nomination to Jetstar Shooting Star Nomination, Geelong Football Club, PO Box 461, Geelong Vic. 3220, or email info@gfc.com.au with “Jetstar Shooting Star” in subject line.