Gold Coast Suns defender Jack Leslie defying natural instincts in quest for improvement

JACK Leslie is defying his natural instincts in the quest of improvement as he ponders his future in footy.

Gold Coast Suns training at Riverway Stadium. Jack Leslie. Picture: Alix Sweeney

JACK Leslie is defying his natural instincts in the quest of improvement as he ponders his future in footy.

The tall defender’s first five seasons at the Gold Coast Suns have been a slow burn.

Leslie has 24 games to his name after spending the majority of his time at the Queensland club stuck behind established defenders Rory Thompson and Steven May.

The 23-year-old has been forced to wait for injury or suspensions to either of his teammates to get a chance but fortunately for him, it’s a common thing.

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Leslie showed he was up to the grade in 2017, playing 13 games and showing his quality through his ability to read the ball and take intercept marks while avoiding a battle with opponents.

But that has all changed in 2018.

Under coach Stuart Dew’s philosophy of an 18-man defence, Leslie has been instructed to start behind the shoulder of his direct opponent, only getting a chance to sneak in front should the moment require.

“I have had to change it up a bit from last year,” Leslie said.

Jack Leslie of the Suns (L) and Paul Puopolo of the Hawks wrestle off the ball during the round 14 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Gold Coast Suns at University of Tasmania Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Launceston, Australia. Picture: Michael Dodge, Getty Images.

“I’m playing more in front from the back shoulder. Throughout the preseason I worked pretty hard on that and the first couple of games I had a little calf niggle but once I got over that I worked on my craft in the NEAFL. I’ve been able to grab my spot and I’m hoping to keep it.

“The change is about having the whole team defend. It means if (an opponent) is pushing up the ground they have to come through pretty much all 18 of us rather than it breaking down and having it go out the back.

“If you read it quicker than your opponent you can still go for it but it’s just having that balance and knowing when to hold or go.”

Leslie is off contract at the end of the season but he said he was in no rush to get a deal done.

The Victorian product left it until October in 2016 to re-sign and while he was happy to wait again, Leslie feels more confident in his position.

The progression made in the last season-and-a-half and the increase in senior football means he will likely have more power in negotiations while opening more options from interested parties eager to offer him increased game time.

But while captain Tom Lynch keeps his cards close to his chest, Leslie said he hadn’t even explored his options.

“I’m just trying to focus on this year and I’ll put it off towards the end of the season,” Leslie said.

“Some don’t like doing that because they can get nervous but I’m fine with it.”

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