Karmichael Hunt explains why he joined Gold Coast Suns and he’s ready for his rugby challenge

KARMICHAEL Hunt, a tri-code pioneer who has tackled unprecedented challenges and changed perceptions, chats with Andrew Hamilton.

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KARMICHAEL Hunt has proven himself as the most versatile footballer in the country, a tri-code pioneer who has tackled unprecedented challenges and changed perceptions.

He sat down with Andrew Hamilton to chat about joining the Reds, the tough times in his AFL journey and who he rates the greatest footballer in any code.

Andrew Hamilton: You are off to the Reds. How will you cope with another reprogramming?

Karmichael Hunt: I think it all starts back to my childhood. I was always trying to play as many sports as I could. If the kids were playing soccer, even though I’d be carrying a rugby ball or basketball around, I’d go try that game.

I have always had it in me to not be afraid to try something new, it is in my DNA. I don’t feel overawed by the prospect of having to refit myself for another code. And obviously the history of rugby at school and the year in France makes me feel a lot more comfortable than I was when I came across to AFL.

Hunt during Gold Coast Suns recovery session at Nerang. Picture: Adam Head

You were born in Auckland where every kid wants to be an All Black and now, via the NRL and AFL, you have an eye on a Wallaby jumper.

I couldn’t have told you this story if I tried back when I was a teenager. There is really no explanation for the way things have panned out other than I guess I have always looked to better myself. I was playing good football at the Broncos and I was happy and comfortable but I wasn’t getting fulfilment from a professional side of things and I knew I wasn’t around the high standards that you expect from an AFL player.

I wanted to learn how to be a professional, I wanted to get myself out of my comfort zone and see how far I could go as an athlete. I never took my diet seriously, my sleep patterns, my conditioning was not where it could be. I let my talent drive the car back then.

Did you receive any other offers last time you came out of contract at the Suns and did you give them consideration?

At the I was in the team and I was playing good football and I could see myself improving on a daily basis. I didn’t want to be anywhere else. It was the most fun I’ve ever had playing a sport.

Hunt celebrates Gold Coast’s win over GWS with Aaron Hall and Jack Hutchins in 2013.

Every step of your AFL journey was analysed and often criticised. Former Titans boss Michael Searle described your recruitment as a circus act. How did you and your family cope?

They get affected by the negativity. I’m the one coaching Emma how to let things pass. I knew coming across was going to be big news because of the monetary figures. But I feel like I’ve conducted myself with integrity and respect for everyone. I also feel I have proven I wasn’t there for the cash, I didn’t take the money and run.

I had a genuine interest in trying to play AFL footy. It has been a roller-coaster for Emma because she is emotional and I am the complete opposite. I probably don’t show enough emotion to things that deserve it which frustrates her because I am so laid back. She’s probably had a few grey hairs at times but she is excited for the next chapter and is definitely a good sounding board. Her dad was always the extreme optimist even when I was going through my injuries, it was always ‘you just need a couple more games and you’ll be right’.

He came to every game I played, even in the twos, and he was always hoping I’d get one more chance so I would maybe stay on. They love AFL and I guess they have enjoyed seeing me go through what I have gone through but obviously they have seen the other side too, the injuries and being out of favour.

Hunt with Suns assistant coach Matthew Primus.

Did you gain a different perspective of life for some athletes?

I’ve got a greater appreciation for what players who aren’t in the top five per cent of the team go through each week. They are on egg shells all the time. I came from the Broncos where I was that top five per cent and your role and position in the team is pretty much secure. Not knowing if I’d be in the team the next week, that has been a learning experience as well and I feel I’m better off because of it.

There seemed to be enormous goodwill from within the AFL playing community. For the first year or so big name footballers would try to find you after the siren to shake your hand.

I kept getting asked early on if I was getting sledged but I received nothing but encouragement. The respect I received from the competition has been nice mate, really nice. My biggest angst coming into the AFL was how I would be received by my own changeroom and I knew my hard work and respect would prove to these guys I was here for the right reasons. Now my goal is to show that same commitment to my new teammates.

Hunt with Nate Myles of the Gold Coast Titans.

Andrew Demetriou is known as a hard-nosed negotiator and a bully but I’ve heard he was a bit clumsy with his attempts to lure you across.

It was funny because Emma and I were in his beautiful place at Toorak and he offered to make us some coffees. Next thing we hear some kerfuffle going on in the kitchen and he had coffee spilt all down the front of his shirt. We had a giggle and he got a bit embarrassed but it was probably a good introduction because it made everything relaxed after that.

I bet you won’t miss the trips to Arizona?

It was like someone put a hole in my tyres. It wasn’t until the second trip I felt I was starting to win the battle. We did the Mt Humphreys walk which is 15,000 feet and first time I only made it to the lower peak and I was spent. The second time I made it to the top. Altitude training has its benefits, I’ve seen it first-hand. I came back as fit as I’ve ever been, but it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.

Hunt says Gary Ablett was more impressive than Greg Inglis or Billy Slater. Picture: David Clark

Tell us about Gary Ablett?

I’ve got to say Gaz is the greatest footballer in any code that I have played with or against. I guess in rugby league the equivalent of a key midfielder would be a good five-eighth, half-back or fullback so you’ve got Greg Inglis, Billy Slater, Darren Lockyer, Johnathan Thurston these guys are the elite.

But the requirements to play AFL, rugby league pales in comparison because of the physical conditioning aspect and also the kicking, handballing, those types of things. For him to roll out every week, cop a tag and get his high 30s (possessions) and kick a few goals, it is unheard of. He is special.

Could any Suns boys cut it in league or union?

David Swallow would be good. He’s strong, loves the physical combat side of footy and has explosive pace. He’d be very good.

Hunt with his daughter Halo. Picture: Adam Head

They showed a clip of you from your first VFL game at the press conference the other day. What about the arse and thighs on you?

I looked at it and had a chuckle, that was me when I started. To get on top of the weight loss and the conditioning, it was hard work. I hit the road in the off season every second day to try to get the conditioning. I’m proud that I did everything I possibly could.

There was a period early on when your daughter Halo was first born that you looked to be really battling. Was it the perfect storm of a new physical workload and the jolt of having kids because at the time I wondered if you would last?

Hunt’s wife, Emma, and daughter Halo sit in the crowd of his farewell press conference. Picture: Adam Head

She was a terrible sleeper, still is. All parents can understand the interrupted sleep when you are used to having nine hours a night just kills you. It zapped me. As much as I put on a brave face and turned up to work, it no doubt had a big impact on my physical presence and my ability to be at peak condition for training and games.

I wouldn’t change it for the world, but she was definitely hard work, still is. But I’ve got No. 2 now and a wake up or two in the night is not too damaging and I can cope. A cup of coffee in the morning and I’m back.

Is it true you used to talk to yourself on the ground in the early days at the Suns?

Definitely, early on I was like ‘remember to bounce, handball’ that sort of stuff. At the start of that first year I just focused on locking down my opponent. Then we played Geelong and I wanted to grow my game so I just said go for the footy and who cares if I make a mistake. I stopped talking to myself and let my inhibitions go and I ran too far in that game and had to give the ball back.

Originally published as Karmichael Hunt explains why he joined Gold Coast Suns and he’s ready for his rugby challenge