IAFL1 Bowl Chat: Lineman Special

On this IAFL1 Bowl Chat, we’re going down into the trenches as we chat to Offensive Lineman Peader ‘Vince’ McMahon, and Defensive Lineman and Club Development Officer, Jason Duddy to find out how the big men are setting up for Sunday...

#90 Jason Duddy and #77 Peader ‘Vince’ McMahon. Pics credit: Eamon McCormick

So lads, a week past from the Trinity Semi final, how did you guys find it, especially considering the tough conditions in the unusual heat?

[Peader] Trinity was a tough game. We knew they were a good team from the first game of the season, but the heat added lot to the game. It was sapping but thankfully we were able to ride it out and get stronger in the second half. We were all up for it and feel like we would have tacked on a few more TDs if we continued.

[Jason] The semi final was a strange one for me personally, I don't think we were anywhere near the level we have been over the last few games in the first half but the second half we turned that around. The heat was a factor but I feel we definitely deserved the W.

It's been a testing season on both sides of the line, plenty of changes to both. What was your toughest moment this season? Any particularly difficult opponents come to mind?

[Peader] We've had plenty of tough moments this season, none more so than that loss against Trinity. It was most disappointing because we all felt we didn't play to our potential. We knew we were better than that and let ourselves down. But the first game for me was probably against the Mavericks. That was a good hard hitting game of football. It was quite warm then too and for the next week I was feeling it. Being able to power through that game felt real good though.

[Jason] My toughest moment was filling in on the offensive line. Full respect to those guys. If I'm honest, no game stands out as overly difficult but the Eagles games are always the toughest. I love their style of play, but it's not nice to play against.

We'll go to the offensive side of the ball first. So Peader second year with the team, and second year as guard. Some people think playing line is all pain, no pleasure. Is this true?

[Peader] When I joined I didn't know what position I wanted to play, I thought possibly a power running back or on the defensive line, certainly O-line wasn't even a consideration. But after the past 2 years, I wouldn't want to play anywhere else. There is plenty of pain, but this is what brings the pleasure. We may not get noticed in the big plays, but if you make that hole that your running back gains big yardage on, you feel the same high.

Jason you've been part of the Defensive line for a number of years, including picking up the Defensive Player of the Year last year. Some people may not know this about you, but you're an avid tennis player. Do you think this additional training has helped you perform at a high level all season?

[Jason] Tennis has definitely helped in a few ways, with mobility for sure. We are known as a defense that chase as one and I like to think I lead by example in that. (I'm fast for a biggish guy)

Finally for both of you, is there anything in specific you're focusing on going into the big game on Sunday? Or are you as ready as you'll ever gonna be?

[Peader] For this Sunday, I want to make sure I am at it from the start. I feel like we have been a bit of slow starters this year, working out the teams as the game goes on, but this is a bowl game, we need to make that impact from the off.

[Jason] I've been in two finals now, and I've learnt not to overthink things. Just focus on our own game that has been working the last 9 games and I'm sure the result will go out way.