Zach beefs up on mum’s meals

HE may still occupy a spot on the rookie list at Geelong but Zach Guthrie says he is confident he can have an even bigger impact on the senior side in 2018 than he did last year.

Guthrie was close to playing in Round 1 in 2017 after a preseason that caught many by surprise, but had to wait until Round 15 to be promoted to the senior list and make his debut.

Such was the immediate effect he had in the Geelong backline he played nine of the last 12 games including two finals, showing poise beyond his years and slotting into the defence seamlessly.

Now, after his second preseason at AFL level and with experience under his belt, the 19-year-old is looking to enter the season full of running.

“With that experience and having played a few games I probably feel a bit more comfortable in the side,” Guthrie said.

“Developing the chemistry with the guys and getting to know their strengths, and them getting to know my strengths, that helps me build on last year.

“Now that I have got a few games away, another pre-season helps and I’m getting a bit more training in and bettering myself and my body, so I think having that experience helps and I feel a lot more confident going into this season than I did last year.”

Guthrie started his time at Geelong close to 70kg, but the AFL Record Season 2018 guide his dedication to increase his size while maintaining his pace and agility, although the youngest of the Guthrie clan revealed he had a secret weapon up his sleeve when it comes to nutritional help.

“We still have mum cooking meals for us, she sends us down dinners, so that definitely keeps you on track eating some good meals and helps me with putting on weight.

“But I’ve been pretty happy with how the pre-season has gone, I’m in pretty good hands. I’m almost at my goal weight that I set before pre-season.”