By Awesome Scotty
BomberBlitz: Who was your footy idol growing up and why?
Daniel Talia: Anthony Koutifidies- one of the greats in the Carlton side in the late 90’s.

BB: Who do you barrack for, and where do you want to go?
DT: I barrack for Carlton and it would be an honour to go to any AFL club.

BB: What is your preferred position on-field and why?
DT: Centre Half Foward- can work really hard from that position and really impact the game on the scoreboard.

BB: Three reasons why you would like to come to Essendon that distances it from its rivals.
DT:
1. It’s very close to home and I know the area very well.
2. Historically it’s a successful club.
3. Very exciting game plan with lots of run.

BB: Are you nervous about making the transition from to the AFL?
DT: More excited than nervous.

BB: Just how much growth do you have in you to make?
DT: I think I have heaps of improvement to do in order to be as good as I want to.

BB: Which footballer do you think you think you are most like on field?
DT: I try to play and work as hard as Nick Riewoldt.

BB: Who do others say you play like?
DT: Andrew Mackie.

BB: What would you say are you’re greatest strengths?
DT: My dedication, focus and determination.

BB: What areas do you reckon you could improve on?
DT: Kicking and core strength.

BB: What would your top 3 goals be once you’re drafted to an AFL club?
DT:
1. To get 100% fit.
2. Earn the respect of the playing group and coaches.
3. Improve myself as a player and get a game in my first year.

BB: What do you think of the prospect of possibly moving away from home?
DT: Doesn’t worry me.

BB: Who has been the hardest player to play on in the under 18s?
DT: Alex Keath.

BB: Besides yourself, who do reckon might go in the top 5?
DT: I’m not sure it’s up to the recruiters.

BB: Who is favourite AFL coach and why?
DT: Don’t have one.

BB: How much of a step up were the championships, and what was it like playing with and against the best kids?
DT: Obviously a massive step up with pace and especially the skill level.

BB: Do you read any of the media or on-line draft predictions?
DT: No.

BB: Do you have a rough idea of where you might be placed in terms of draft position?
DT: No.

BB: What have been your best and worst experiences out of AFL Draft camp this year? How did you find it?
DT: Best- meeting all the AFL clubs and their staff, Worst- not being able to do the testing. I found it very exciting and insightful into how serious and how much exposure football has in Australia.

BB: When did you start playing footy?
DT: At 6 yrs of age.

BB: You’re in year 12 this year, how has it been fitting both footy and school work?
DT: It has been ok as I only did 4 subjects at school this year.
BB: What subjects are you doing?
DT: English, Psychology, Biology and Health and Human Development.

BB: Who has had the greatest influence on your footy career so far?
DT: Grandfather – Harvey Stevens. He was a big inspiration.

BB: How old were you when you first thought you had a real chance of being an AFL player?
DT: 16 yrs old.

BB: would you prefer to join a team that is currently in the hunt and there is limited first 22 opportunity, or one that is rebuilding where there will be more immediate opportunities?
DT: Wouldn’t worry me.

BB: What was your junior club like?
DT: Greenvale F.C- fantastic and very supportive.

BB: How influential was your first coach?
DT: Larry Costabile- hugely influential still my mentor.

BB: What advice would you give to a kid on how to get to your level?
DT: Work hard, dedication and hard work beats talent.

BB: Do you play any sports other than footy?
DT: No.

BB: If AFL wasn’t around, what would you do instead?
DT: Tennis or Athletics.

BB: Now for the important questions. Are you a cinnamon, iced or jam centred type donut man?
DT: Jam.

BB: If you could hold a Guinness World Record, what would it be for?
DT: Worlds strongest man.

BB: What music do you listen to?
DT: House.

BB: If someone made a film of your life, who would you like to play the lead role?
DT: No.

BB: Name 3 people you would invite to dinner and why?
DT: Mum, Dad and my brothers.

BB: One place you would like to visit?
DT: Hawaii.

BB: Three words to describe yourself?
DT: Down to earth.

BB: What is your favourite colour M&M?
DT: Green.

BB: Do you think milk should be added to instant coffee prior to boiling water or after?
DT: I don’t drink coffee.

BB: Shorts or pants man?
DT: Shorts.

BB: Shoes or thongs?
DT: Shoes.