Renowned as one of the fittest players in the Mariners squad, former Australian youth international Brad Porter is currently on the comeback trail from injury, and looking forward to reclaiming his place among the Hyundai A-League’s elite.
Late last week Jess Norton talked to the Central Coast product, finding out about his return to full training, his love of fishing, and how he earned the nickname ‘chicken-.
You-re back in training with the team now following a lengthy spell with injury. How do you think you-re going personally?
Before today I would have said I was going well but the knee is pretty sore at the moment after a tough session. But it-s coming along well – I-d say I am where I need to be. We are still eight or so weeks away from the season but I-m pretty much up to speed with the rest of the boys so it is coming along good.
Coming back from such a serious injury how tough mentally has it been?
It is extremely tough mentally, especially after the season the boys had last year with all of the success. As much as you-re still a part of it you are sort of on the outer a little bit and it-s depressing watching the boys do really well. As happy as you are for them it is difficult personally. I had to put that aside and focus on my rehab.
There are a few faces in the camp for the new season. How are the new lads fitting into the Mariners environment?
I think it is a great environment we-ve got here. From season one, we have always signed players who have fit in with the culture here. I think Arnie and Mossy have carried that on, signing boys that are good guys on and off the park and as long as everyone gets along off the park, I think the results will show.
The club has been doing a lot in the community recently such as the Mariners ‘Club Nights-. As a local boy yourself do you believe it is an important role the club plays helping the local Central Coast kids out?
Yeah I do. If you look, Sydney-s average crowd and our average crowd are pretty similar. Look at their population compared to ours and I think we do really well and I think the reason for that is we are out in the community and doing things like the Club Nights – people feel that connection with us. I think that is what sets us apart.
What does Brad Porter like to do away from the football pitch?
I love to go for a fish. There are a few boys getting into their fishing. It is a hobby that I took up once I got injured last year. It gave me something to take my mind off football and the injury and I-ve sort of carried it on.
Finally, could you tell us how you became known as ‘chicken- at the club?
In season one, it was actually Rik Katte, the trainer who was nicknamed that. We actually got chickens coming in at training and I used to smash about four or five sandwiches so that-s where it came from.
