Glenelg defender Michael Virgin has regained his passion for the game
Michael Virgin has regained the passion for the game with Glenelg and he admits he plays on the edge to keep his spot as he prepares for Sunday’s preliminary final against Adelaide.
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Glenelg defender Michael Virgin will attack the preliminary final against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Sunday with the same mindset he does every game, convinced his position in the side is on the line.
Describing selection as a privilege, Virgin is driven by the need to perform and earn his spot each game.
“My spot is on the line each week and I go in with the mindset I could be dropped and need to earn my spot because there is good depth at the club,” he said.
“So if I am not playing on the edge I am not going to get the best out of myself.”
Virgin has revived his career this season after last year being told he would not even be selected for the reserves at North Adelaide.
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After spending the first half of 2018 with family in Melbourne, he returned to Adelaide to play at PHOS Camden with his brother Sam and a few mates.
Then in November, Tigers premiership player and family friend Tony Symonds asked if he was keen to have another crack at league football. A phone call from Tigers football manager Paul Sandercock was followed by a call from coach Mark Stone and he claims he could not say yes quick enough.
“I just wanted to put my head down and work my backside off,” Virgin said.
After struggling when picked out of position in attack for the opening round, Virgin was sent back to the reserves to find form.
His next opportunity did not arrive until round 10 when played in a more familiar defensive role, and he has kept his spot since.
“I’m loving it, it has been exactly what I needed,” Virgin said. “I’ve got the enthusiasm and passion back, I want to go to training, be around the boys and learn from Stoney because he is an absolute genius.
“If we bring our trademarks and best footy we are capable of beating anyone.”
Virgin played with Matt Wright in his first season at the Roosters when the Crows captain was not required for AFL action.