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Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy wants Israel Folau to unleash the rage in 2013, while the former NRL star says a pre-game chill pill was the reason behind his best AFL performance to date.
Folau kicked 1.1 against North Melbourne on Saturday, but more importantly marked and tackled with intent.
He even pulled off a sensational intercept – embryonic signs that the former Australia and Queensland rugby league representative might be able to eventually adapt to a game that’s still largely foreign.
According to the 23-year-old, there was no secret formula in his 13th match this year.
“My routine and training have been the same all year, I guess this week I was a little bit more relaxed than usual,” Folau said.
“I wasn’t thinking about the game too much this week.
“It was definitely my best game. I certainly go into the break with great confidence and I can start the pre-season with high hopes.”
Sheedy, who preached Folau’s upside all season while the code hopper struggled, was also excited about the future.
“He just needs games that guy,” the four-time premiership coach said.
“I’ve seen players that I’ve coached before, you give them the faith they need and if you can do that, they’ll return it in the end.
“The thing I really liked was when he wasn’t paid a mark early and he thought he should have got it – and he got irate.
“I love that.
“I love that when he gets annoyed. Because I think he plays well annoyed – and really, really annoyed.
“So I think I’ll try and annoy him next year a lot more.”
Folau is the first to admit it’s been a “challenging” and “tough” learning curve this season.
The pressure resulting from his hefty price tag was immense.
Folau has had to develop 360-degree awareness in the AFL, and off the field criticism and advice has flowed from every angle – both AFL and NRL.
“I guess I had to try to stay mentally strong, but I don’t read into the papers and it wasn’t really a problem for me,” he said.
“I was always confident in my ability, just some games this year weren’t my best.”
Folau has two seasons to run on his GWS contract, and reaffirmed his commitment to that deal for the umpteenth time.
For now, there’s the more pressing requirement of a temporary respite from the spite.
“The year is finished now. I’m looking forward to a break. I head over to the (United) States in October and then starting pre-season,” Folau said.
“I’ll try and stay away from football as much as I can (during the break).”
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