Sydney Swans recruit Jackson Thurlow addressed the media on day one of pre-season training at Bat and Ball Oval on Monday.

While only first- to fifth-year players were scheduled to return for pre-season training, former Cat Thurlow – who’s on the verge of his seventh AFL season – decided to hit ‘go’ early on his time in red and white.

Here are some key quotes from the press conference.

Getting a head-start on pre-season training

“This is my seventh season now but getting stuck in early is a really good opportunity. It’s a lot easier to meet people when it’s a smaller group. So hopefully I get to know a few of the boys by the end of the week and then by the time the older guys come back I can make a few relationships that way. It’s a good to way come into a new club. You want to get stuck in as soon as you can and earn the respect of the Club.”

Excitement for Swans move

“It’s a massive opportunity. I was really rapt when I got the call from Kinnear (Beatson) and my manager. It was a pretty quiet trade period for me. I was hoping something could arise and didn’t really know it was going to be Sydney. But for it to be Sydney I’m stoked. My first-ever AFL game was watching the Swans at the SCG when I was a young tucker. To now be playing here is really good.”

Meeting coach John Longmire

“My partner and I flew up after the trade period and he picked us up from the airport and showed us his house by the water. Then we went out for dinner with him and his wife and Kinnear. He’s a really good guy. He’s opened his arms to myself and my partner and the whole Club has as well.”

Which position he’s likely to play

“I think that sort of intercept half-back or wing role. Exactly what that looks like just yet I’m not sure. I’ve still got a full game plan to learn but like I said before, I’m just really excited by this opportunity. There are some amazing footballers at this footy club I’m hoping to learn off. There are some guns at this club so I’m really excited.”