1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,427 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:13,227 Speaker 1: from NEWSTALKSB Get You Inside. 3 00:00:13,227 --> 00:00:15,147 Speaker 2: The Phoenix camp had the chance yesterday to chat to 4 00:00:15,227 --> 00:00:19,107 Speaker 2: Lucas Kelly Healed, one of the young defensive brigade in 5 00:00:19,227 --> 00:00:23,027 Speaker 2: the Phoenix squad. Asked him if Derby week was a 6 00:00:23,027 --> 00:00:26,347 Speaker 2: bit different from a normal week given the enormity of 7 00:00:26,387 --> 00:00:28,147 Speaker 2: the game at the end of the week. 8 00:00:29,107 --> 00:00:32,507 Speaker 3: Yeah, somewhat. I think we try and treat every game 9 00:00:32,547 --> 00:00:36,067 Speaker 3: exactly the same. Being two terms from the same country. 10 00:00:36,147 --> 00:00:38,547 Speaker 3: It definitely you can kind of feel that there's a 11 00:00:38,587 --> 00:00:43,347 Speaker 3: bit of added external pressure. We don't really buy until that. 12 00:00:43,387 --> 00:00:44,747 Speaker 3: You know, we try and do what we do we 13 00:00:44,827 --> 00:00:47,227 Speaker 3: can week out regardless of who we're playing against. But 14 00:00:47,427 --> 00:00:48,547 Speaker 3: it'll be an exciting game. 15 00:00:49,067 --> 00:00:51,667 Speaker 2: You only played i think second half or first half 16 00:00:51,667 --> 00:00:53,747 Speaker 2: of the third Derby last year, so it's not as 17 00:00:53,787 --> 00:00:56,627 Speaker 2: though you played all three. But is it easy or 18 00:00:56,747 --> 00:00:59,627 Speaker 2: not to put last year behind this team, you know, 19 00:00:59,667 --> 00:01:03,347 Speaker 2: the three losses and start afresh in terms of the derbies. 20 00:01:03,947 --> 00:01:06,507 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think it's definitely going into a newc and 21 00:01:06,547 --> 00:01:08,907 Speaker 3: it's a fresh start. You know, we've got a new team, 22 00:01:08,947 --> 00:01:11,627 Speaker 3: We've got we've got some some fresh faces, and I 23 00:01:11,667 --> 00:01:14,187 Speaker 3: think we all came back from the offseason refreshed and 24 00:01:14,547 --> 00:01:17,907 Speaker 3: ready to work hard. So we go into each game 25 00:01:18,427 --> 00:01:20,987 Speaker 3: the same and where we're really looking forward. 26 00:01:20,787 --> 00:01:23,547 Speaker 2: To unbeaten started the season. How do you evaluate it 27 00:01:23,587 --> 00:01:25,827 Speaker 2: as a playing group? How happy other players with the 28 00:01:25,867 --> 00:01:27,707 Speaker 2: first three outings this season? 29 00:01:28,107 --> 00:01:29,827 Speaker 3: Yeah, no, it's been a it's been a good start. 30 00:01:30,947 --> 00:01:35,227 Speaker 3: Getting been undefeated in the first three is a not 31 00:01:35,267 --> 00:01:37,107 Speaker 3: an easy thing to do. So now we need to 32 00:01:37,147 --> 00:01:39,627 Speaker 3: start trying to turn those those draws into wins and 33 00:01:39,667 --> 00:01:40,907 Speaker 3: hopefully we can take it from there. 34 00:01:41,227 --> 00:01:43,867 Speaker 2: Tell us about game one against Perth where you'd just 35 00:01:43,907 --> 00:01:46,467 Speaker 2: come back from the All Whites, and I think Isaac 36 00:01:46,587 --> 00:01:48,867 Speaker 2: Hues was ruled out quite close to the start of 37 00:01:48,907 --> 00:01:52,347 Speaker 2: the game, and you came in out challenging a transition 38 00:01:52,387 --> 00:01:54,227 Speaker 2: I guess into the into a new system. 39 00:01:54,347 --> 00:01:58,107 Speaker 3: Was that for you, Yeah, I mean we had worked 40 00:01:58,107 --> 00:02:00,067 Speaker 3: on it in pre season then obviously went away with 41 00:02:00,347 --> 00:02:03,347 Speaker 3: the under twenty years and with the national team, so 42 00:02:03,347 --> 00:02:05,467 Speaker 3: so they had been working together for a few weeks 43 00:02:05,507 --> 00:02:08,107 Speaker 3: while I was way so there was a little bit 44 00:02:08,107 --> 00:02:12,867 Speaker 3: of a learning curve going into the game. It was 45 00:02:12,907 --> 00:02:15,667 Speaker 3: a bit of a tight turnaround. Got in pretty pretty 46 00:02:15,667 --> 00:02:18,907 Speaker 3: close to the game, but it was there's no excuses, 47 00:02:18,907 --> 00:02:20,467 Speaker 3: you know, we just need to try and perform as 48 00:02:20,507 --> 00:02:21,947 Speaker 3: best as we can and we try and give ourselves 49 00:02:22,027 --> 00:02:22,907 Speaker 3: the best possibility. 50 00:02:23,627 --> 00:02:25,067 Speaker 2: There's been a lot of talk about the high line, 51 00:02:25,067 --> 00:02:26,627 Speaker 2: but it seems to have been sorted out. I mean, 52 00:02:26,787 --> 00:02:28,867 Speaker 2: there was that first half against Perth and you know, 53 00:02:28,907 --> 00:02:31,947 Speaker 2: you feel your way, but the principles of the way 54 00:02:31,987 --> 00:02:34,867 Speaker 2: you play defensively are they embedded? Now? You pretty much 55 00:02:34,867 --> 00:02:37,147 Speaker 2: know what you're doing, you know, from game situation to 56 00:02:37,187 --> 00:02:37,867 Speaker 2: game situation. 57 00:02:38,427 --> 00:02:41,707 Speaker 3: Yeah, And I think it's showing every week where we're 58 00:02:41,707 --> 00:02:46,867 Speaker 3: getting better and better and those learning curves are starting 59 00:02:46,907 --> 00:02:49,507 Speaker 3: to narrow and we're starting to feel more comfortable in 60 00:02:49,827 --> 00:02:52,267 Speaker 3: those roles. And now that the league has started and 61 00:02:52,267 --> 00:02:55,387 Speaker 3: we're playing every week, it's a great opportunity to test 62 00:02:55,427 --> 00:02:59,827 Speaker 3: ourselves and learn from from our challenges and get better. 63 00:03:00,067 --> 00:03:01,627 Speaker 2: How different is it for you because we're seeing you 64 00:03:01,707 --> 00:03:03,507 Speaker 2: mainly on the left side of a back four, also 65 00:03:03,547 --> 00:03:07,467 Speaker 2: in the six, but defensively, what are the specific changes 66 00:03:07,467 --> 00:03:09,067 Speaker 2: playing as part of a back three. 67 00:03:09,587 --> 00:03:12,147 Speaker 3: Yeah? I think you have to think a bit more 68 00:03:12,227 --> 00:03:17,947 Speaker 3: conservatively at times when as a central player as opposed 69 00:03:17,987 --> 00:03:21,427 Speaker 3: to playing out wide. But a lot of the roles 70 00:03:21,427 --> 00:03:25,787 Speaker 3: and responsibilities are still the same. Just about winning your moments, 71 00:03:25,827 --> 00:03:29,147 Speaker 3: winning your battles and then giving it to the ones 72 00:03:29,147 --> 00:03:31,147 Speaker 3: in front of you to hopefully make something happen. 73 00:03:31,507 --> 00:03:34,947 Speaker 2: Communication wise, you know, there's no man Draker James this weekend. 74 00:03:35,027 --> 00:03:37,227 Speaker 2: Good Isaac Hughes and Matt Sheridan, who I know you 75 00:03:37,307 --> 00:03:39,867 Speaker 2: know well, and then Josh behind you. How important is 76 00:03:39,907 --> 00:03:43,507 Speaker 2: the communication especially in a new Wish system. 77 00:03:43,787 --> 00:03:46,747 Speaker 3: Yeah, it's hugely important. I think, especially with the way 78 00:03:46,747 --> 00:03:50,547 Speaker 3: we're playing, communication is key, you know. I think that's 79 00:03:50,547 --> 00:03:53,027 Speaker 3: something we've been trying to drive all for the last 80 00:03:53,147 --> 00:03:56,227 Speaker 3: few months as we've been working on it, and like 81 00:03:56,347 --> 00:03:57,787 Speaker 3: I look along the back line and there's some real 82 00:03:57,907 --> 00:04:01,227 Speaker 3: vocal people like Isaac and Matt Sheridan, very vocal. So 83 00:04:02,067 --> 00:04:03,027 Speaker 3: it's been really good. 84 00:04:03,307 --> 00:04:04,827 Speaker 2: Is that something that you know? I mean, you don't 85 00:04:04,867 --> 00:04:06,507 Speaker 2: strike me and I might be completely wrong here as 86 00:04:06,547 --> 00:04:09,987 Speaker 2: a really vocal football player. Do you are you sort 87 00:04:09,987 --> 00:04:12,147 Speaker 2: of changing in any your regard or you just let 88 00:04:12,187 --> 00:04:13,907 Speaker 2: those guys do most of the talking. 89 00:04:14,427 --> 00:04:18,147 Speaker 3: No, I'm definitely vocal. I try to be. I'm not 90 00:04:18,187 --> 00:04:20,387 Speaker 3: the one to yell and scream at you, but I 91 00:04:20,467 --> 00:04:23,707 Speaker 3: will try and be concise and direct with my communication. 92 00:04:23,827 --> 00:04:27,387 Speaker 3: I'll let those around me know what needs to be done, 93 00:04:28,507 --> 00:04:30,587 Speaker 3: but you won't see me yelling my head off at 94 00:04:30,587 --> 00:04:33,827 Speaker 3: anyone around me, you know. So it's a different, i think, 95 00:04:33,827 --> 00:04:36,747 Speaker 3: more composed style of communication, but I think it works 96 00:04:36,747 --> 00:04:36,947 Speaker 3: for me. 97 00:04:37,107 --> 00:04:41,387 Speaker 2: Yeah, absolutely, Ye know, it's a great quality. How different 98 00:04:41,427 --> 00:04:43,827 Speaker 2: a player are you from the Lucas Kelly Hill that 99 00:04:44,347 --> 00:04:46,827 Speaker 2: joined the Phoenix a couple of years ago? Yeah? 100 00:04:46,907 --> 00:04:49,867 Speaker 3: I think every year I've grown as a player. I 101 00:04:49,907 --> 00:04:54,467 Speaker 3: think from I think three years ago now or this's 102 00:04:54,507 --> 00:04:56,387 Speaker 3: my going into my third season, I think a lot 103 00:04:56,427 --> 00:05:01,107 Speaker 3: has changed and I have found myself growing into myself 104 00:05:01,147 --> 00:05:04,307 Speaker 3: as a person and as a player, and every week 105 00:05:04,427 --> 00:05:08,347 Speaker 3: poses new challenges and new opportunity and I've enjoyed every minute. 106 00:05:08,627 --> 00:05:11,707 Speaker 2: And your involvement in the national team, have you. Have 107 00:05:11,787 --> 00:05:14,467 Speaker 2: you found your experiences being in and around the All 108 00:05:14,467 --> 00:05:14,987 Speaker 2: Whites camp? 109 00:05:15,307 --> 00:05:19,347 Speaker 3: Yeah, unbelievable. I always love going into that environment. They're 110 00:05:19,387 --> 00:05:22,707 Speaker 3: all such great players, but more importantly, they're all great people. 111 00:05:22,947 --> 00:05:25,547 Speaker 3: I get on well with everyone that I come into 112 00:05:25,547 --> 00:05:28,667 Speaker 3: contact with there, and I try and take away as 113 00:05:28,707 --> 00:05:30,307 Speaker 3: many learnings as I possibly can. 114 00:05:30,827 --> 00:05:32,907 Speaker 2: And just back to this week to finish. Is there 115 00:05:32,907 --> 00:05:35,707 Speaker 2: any danger that you played the game before the game, 116 00:05:35,707 --> 00:05:37,027 Speaker 2: if you know what I mean. It's a big occasion. 117 00:05:37,427 --> 00:05:40,027 Speaker 2: It's Derby, big crowd coming. Is there any need to 118 00:05:40,827 --> 00:05:43,067 Speaker 2: keep your feet on the ground in the Thursday, Friday 119 00:05:43,227 --> 00:05:44,067 Speaker 2: before the Saturday. 120 00:05:44,547 --> 00:05:47,267 Speaker 3: Yeah. I think we've spoken about it as a group. 121 00:05:47,307 --> 00:05:50,147 Speaker 3: You know, it's an important game, but it's the same 122 00:05:50,187 --> 00:05:53,707 Speaker 3: game as every other week. It's you know, both teams 123 00:05:53,747 --> 00:05:55,627 Speaker 3: are trying to win win the same game and that 124 00:05:55,667 --> 00:05:58,307 Speaker 3: should be how it is every single week. So we 125 00:05:58,467 --> 00:06:00,387 Speaker 3: just need to keep doing what we've been doing and 126 00:06:00,427 --> 00:06:02,627 Speaker 3: do it at a at a high level and then 127 00:06:02,667 --> 00:06:04,587 Speaker 3: hopefully the result comes our a a. 128 00:06:04,427 --> 00:06:06,507 Speaker 2: Good time to score your first day leg goal, it 129 00:06:06,547 --> 00:06:09,427 Speaker 2: would be definitely would be Just would in your brother too. 130 00:06:09,467 --> 00:06:11,307 Speaker 2: You haven't seen him this year. He's coming back Albe, 131 00:06:11,747 --> 00:06:15,267 Speaker 2: your goalkeeper brother. Is he close to being back involved 132 00:06:15,307 --> 00:06:16,547 Speaker 2: in the first time environment. 133 00:06:16,907 --> 00:06:21,267 Speaker 3: Yeah, definitely. He's training with us every day and he's 134 00:06:21,267 --> 00:06:23,787 Speaker 3: been getting some minutes with the reserve team just to 135 00:06:23,827 --> 00:06:26,187 Speaker 3: get some minutes in the tank. And he's been training 136 00:06:26,227 --> 00:06:29,267 Speaker 3: and playing exceptionally and I'm really glad to see him 137 00:06:29,267 --> 00:06:30,027 Speaker 3: back out on the field. 138 00:06:30,107 --> 00:06:33,107 Speaker 2: That is. Lucas Kelly healed out of the Wellington Phoenix 139 00:06:33,187 --> 00:06:36,147 Speaker 2: or seven o'clock kick off tonight in the men's game 140 00:06:36,227 --> 00:06:37,587 Speaker 2: the women at four o'clock. 141 00:06:38,227 --> 00:06:41,427 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 142 00:06:41,547 --> 00:06:44,827 Speaker 1: to News Talk zed B weekends from midday, or follow 143 00:06:44,867 --> 00:06:46,467 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio