LOGAN Wagener is confident the opportunity to train with VFL club Werribee over pre-season has made him a better footballer.
The newly-appointed Newcomb captain received a call from Tigers football boss Hamish Macinnes before Christmas inviting him to Avalon Airport Oval.
“I almost thought it was a prank call because I thought they would have had their list done by then,” Wagener said.
“I was shocked by it. It’s an amazing opportunity; I haven’t had an opportunity like that before.
Then he sent me the program to do during the break, which made sure I was fit when I got there.
“It’s awesome. I’ve learned heaps.”
The 23-year-old, who is entering his second season at the Power after arriving from Leopold ahead of the 2019 season, has been soaking up the knowledge imparted by others at Werribee.
“The facilities are awesome, and you just learn heaps from everyone,” Wagener said.
“One thing I really love about it is the elite standard of training.
“While you are training, everyone is always switched on. And while you’re there, you get the most out of it.
“I’m really grateful for the things I’ve learned there.”
Wagener, who was vice-captain of Newcomb in his first season, replaces co-captains Kane Parish and Joel Geue.
“It’s something I’m really, really proud of, and I take a lot of pride in,” he said.
“Newcomb’s a place I want to bring success to. Not just for the playing group, but the people who have put so many hours into the club. That really drives me to succeed there.
To be captain of a club that’s a really proud club is something I take a lot of pride in, and I’m really honoured to do.”
Newcomb opens its season with a trip to Portarlington on Good Friday as it looks to end a finals drought stretching back to its most recent premiership in 2007.
“All the boys have had a huge pre-season, and just watching them is really good,” Wagener said.
“Everyone’s really excited, and everyone’s bought in this year, and we’re really excited to crack in Round 1.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
