Matt Buntine has opened up about how he has a greater appreciation for forwards after adapting to a new role inside the GIANTS’ attacking 50.
Having shifted from his usual role down back, the 25-year-old has taken to life as a forward, having tripled his career goal tally in the past fortnight.
Speaking on The Footy Phil podcast alongside GIANTS co-captain Phil Davis and GIANTS Media’s Alison Zell, the 25-year-old explained that while he’s hit the scoreboard in the last two games, his role is still a defensive one.
“An interesting opportunity arose after the West Coast game to get swung forward,” he said.
“Obviously, I love playing in defence and I’ve worked on my craft here at the GIANTS over the last seven years and it’s a very similar role to go down there and try to nullify some of the good defenders that try to intercept mark.
“I’m happy to play my role wherever I can on the ground, it’s very exciting to see life up the other end of the ground.”
That ‘life at the other end of the ground’ has seen Buntine line up alongside Coleman Medal front-runner Jeremy Cameron.
Seeing Cameron and his fellow forwards go about their business has opened Buntine’s eyes to how tough it is to be a forward.
“It’s very strange, we’re very task oriented in the backline, especially you (Phil) and I, the dourer defenders,” he said.
“There’s a lot more going on in your head so it’s structures, where your opponent is, running patterns – all those types of things.
“I’m sort of swallowing my words now, because back in the day I used to give it to the forwards about how easy they have it and they kick goals and sort of just drink coffees.
“You do have an appreciation for the difficulties for forwards because it’s not the easiest place in the game.”
The 189cm GIANT also joined Davis and Zell in discussing the GIANTS’ loss to Fremantle and helped preview Saturday evening’s Sydney Derby XVII clash with the Swans at the SCG.
Podcast Summary
1:30 - Buntine the Forward
3:20 - Early career
7:00 - Injuries
11:20 - Haircut History
12:00 - Round Five Recap
15:00 - Phil's ankle update
16:12 - Eddie Betts
20:30 - Positive v Negative commentary
27:20 - Sydney Derby XVII & ANZAC Day
31:00 - Cleo Bachelor of the Year
