Central District midfielder Travis Schiller named SANFL Player of the Week
Central District caused a huge upset with its win over Norwood at The Parade and the victory was inspired by a gun midfielder who gave credit to his legendary coach.
Central District ball magnet Travis Schiller claims he would not be half the footballer he is without the help of Roy Laird when asked his opinion of the coach.
The only senior coach he has had since making his league debut with the Bulldogs in 2014, Laird has challenged Schiller each season with a facet of his game needing work.
“I’ve always had a good relationship with Roy,” Schiller said. “Each year he always came up with something to improve on.”
Laird is a Travis Schiller fan which is no surprise given the courageous manner the onballer goes about his business on the field.
The 2015 Bulldogs’ best and fairest winner is listed as being only 73kg in the SANFL Budget, yet he has no fear attacking the ball in the engine room heat.
That is how he approached the contest against Norwood at The Parade on Friday night when confronted by the imposing Redlegs midfield.
Schiller used his evasive skills and pace to rack up a game-high 33 possessions and constantly spark attacking raids for the Bulldogs in their upset 19-point triumph. His performance has been recognised as The Advertiser SANFL Player of the Week.
“Going to Norwood is a big game every year and always good games to play in,” Schiller said. “It was training as usual for the week, but at the captain’s run and in the pre-game Roy spoke of the significance of the rivalry with Norwood.
“It can be hard to get up for games when you can’t make the finals, but he talked about the game’s significance and everyone played their role. We have been inconsistent this year, but the pressure was good for four quarters and it was a good game from the entire team.”
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Jydon Neagle’s successful efforts to quell dual Magarey Medallist Mitch Grigg inspired his teammates and help grow his game, according to Schiller.
The Bulldogs will finish their season against Port Adelaide at Elizabeth on Saturday and it will be Laird’s final game in charge after announcing he was stepping down.
“They will have a strong side and I’m assuming there will be changes and some players coming back in after the Power’s loss to North Melbourne,” Schiller said.
“It will be a tough game, but we will give it a shot to send Roy off well.”