A Big Weekend Coming up for Patrick Lawlor
Box Hill Hawk’s Patrick Lawlor may be about to play his 50th Senior VFL game this weekend, but his venture into football did not start as you may have thought.
“I didn’t start playing footy until I was 15 actually. I played soccer and to be honest I got lazy and then everyone passed me”
“My mates were also getting stuck into me for playing soccer as they all played footy, so I changed codes as I wanted to play footy with them on the weekends.”
As a Hawthorn supporter himself, Lawlor was thrilled to be able to join Box Hill in 2011 after playing a year with the Eastern Ranges.
“I thought it was pretty cool when I moved, its such a great club and the feeling amongst the group is outstanding. I love being around the club and playing for the jumper”.
“There’s been a few occasions when some big name players have had to come down and play with us which has been great, to play with them and listen to what they have to say is such a surreal experience, you’re basically learning from the best”.
However, when talking about his own style of play, Lawlor looks to a different Hawk for inspiration.
“I would love to be able to put pressure on like Cyril Rioli. My role within the team is to put defensive pressure on up forward, if I happen to hit the scoreboard then that’s a bonus, so in terms of pressure definitely Cyril.”
There is also a particular Box Hill player who Lawlor uses as a benchmark for his preparation during the season.
“This year I have followed Marc Lock in his preparation and training. He’s played Senior footy every year he’s been here and it’s because he does all those little extra things off the field. So it’s been a big focus of mine to train with him and I always make sure we feed off each other throughout the week”.
When it comes to his own game, Lawlor has a very relaxed and simple approach on game days.
“I have Weetbix and I also have a bulk of bananas. That’s about it.”
Outside of footy, Lawlor is a carpenter and has almost finished his training.
“I’ve been doing that for nearly four years and I’m nearly done with the apprenticeship. Some days I don’t enjoy it – I hate cold mornings – but the rest of it is good.”
“I would prefer to play footy full-time but that’s not really an option at the moment.”
When he was younger, Lawlor pretty much played a bit of everything, and still enjoys keeping up with all his favorite sports.
“Growing up I was probably playing five to six sports at a time which Mum loved. I am still a massive soccer fan, but NBA is probably my favorite to watch. It’s just awesome and the athletes are crazy.”
“I’m a massive Rajon Rondo fan. He’s the assist King.”
Apart from sports, Lawlor also likes doing pretty normal things when he needs a break from his footy.
“I just like to hang out with my mates or have a Netflix marathon with my girlfriend. That’s pretty much it.”
“I also talk to PK (Forward coach Paul Kennedy) a lot. We talk about a lot of things but when it comes to footy he’s got such a good footy brain and really helps me out with all that stuff.”
This year has been a significant year for Lawlor and his footy. As well as his 50th game against Frankston on the weekend, this is Lawlor’s first year as a part of the Leadership Group.
“It’s going really good and I’m enjoying the challenge. All the guys in the group make it pretty easy and it’s been a good transition.”
“We’ve got some new ideas and fresh faces which always helps.”
Lawlor is really looking forward to this weekend’s game, especially because of its personal importance for him.
“I’ve worked pretty hard for these 50 games. I’m rapt I’ve been able to play so well consistently and hopefully there’s more to come.”
“It’s always good playing for significant games like that. Finals are mainly the ones that get me going. They’re just a completely different ball game.”
Looking closer to this week’s game, Lawlor says the team just wants to keep continuing to play their brand of footy.
“We’re confident in our ability and our game plan so we’ll be looking to get the win and to start the season 4-0.”
“We weren’t at our best last week so we would like to come out all guns blazing and get the job done.”
Lawlor will play is 50th Senior VFL game against the Frankston Dolphins this weekend at Box Hill City Oval at 2.00pm, a game that is sure to be another tough match for the boys.
