IAFL 1 Bowl Build Up: Interview with Anton Nulty

Anton (#7) getting his first cap for Ireland u20s, April 2017

In our final interview before Sundays IAFL 1 Bowl, we spoke to rising star Anton Nulty. Anton has reached a Bowl game in his first year of senior football, and will be looking to build on his success from junior football.

Turning 18 during the senior season, you joined the senior roster when most of the guys had already had a few games under their belt. Was it difficult to settle into the team mid-way through the season?
“Not at all actually. I have trained with this squad for a few years meaning I knew all the players who were extremely welcoming, as well as this it meant I knew what plays and schemes we would be running so I fit into the squad perfectly. All this got me extremely excited to start playing senior ball.”

What has been the biggest challenge going from junior football to seniors?
“The main difference is the speed and intensity at which the game is played, this is part in parcel with the size difference between juniors and seniors. Transitioning from going head to head with a small, skinny 16/17 year old to 6'4" 240lb athletes really makes you grow out of a junior mind-set rather quickly.”

A good regular season was followed by a shootout win against the Wexford Eagles in the playoffs. What have you been doing in the time between the playoffs and Sunday coming to prepare yourself?
“Post Eagles match I spent time recovering from the long hard fought match we had just played. Since then I have been going to the gym to make sure I am as physically prepared as I can be. In addition to the tape and training to mentally prepare myself for such a big game I feel I'm in the best shape for the match I could be at this point in time.”

Having been on the side line to watch the last game between the Cowboys and Mavericks, what are the Mavericks biggest threats?
“The Mavericks have some impressive receivers and having witnessed first-hand some of the great catches at the last game we certainly have our work cut out for us. This combined with their QB who is willing to linger in the pocket for an extended period and even take a big hit in order to deliver the perfect pass will certainly make the match an interesting one.”
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And finally, what are your predictions for Sunday’s game?
“Both teams have all to play for in this big game, so I'm predicting a tough, hard fought match and a great contest. However having watched and played with our talented Cowboys side I must predict a Cowboys win this Sunday.”