Exciting West Coast Eagles youngster Daniel Venables says his building fitness base is the driving factor behind his building form at East Perth.
Venables missed much of last year with injury and did little to no pre-season after joining the Eagles via November’s NAB AFL Draft, and the 19 year-old has been carefully managed since his return to the playing field in February.
Starting on limited minutes in the Royals’ reserves side, Venables has gradually worked his way up to full minutes in the league side, playing across half-forward with occasional bursts through the midfield.
Venables starred at the weekend with four goals from 14 possessions, five inside 50s and four tackles against East Fremantle.
“It’s good to be back on the scorers list, but it’s a team game so I have the hard work of others to thank for those,” Venables said.
“For me, I guess coming off no pre-season I’m just starting to get my footy fitness back, it’s starting to kick in now and I’m running out games.
“Then during the week it’s about a lot of recovery, getting my body right for game day, so now I can fully train and do everything everyone else does.”
The Royals have now chalked up three wins in succession with a more direct style of play and a raised intent around the contest.
Venables says while they have raised their consistency in recent weeks, enjoying themselves has been the key to their winning run.
“Intent is always a focus of ours; I think we’re just playing the football we know we can play, it’s rubbing off on everyone and we’re just having fun out there.
“We’ve all played a far bit of footy together now, so everyone’s getting a better handle on how everyone plays, we’re determined to get the win together.
“When you’re loving your footy that’s when you’re playing your best footy.”