Unfiltered: North Melbourne young gun Harry Sheezel makes honest admission about pressure to perform
young gun Harry Sheezel has opened up on his difficult start to the season and how he deals with the 'outside noise'.
Sheezel set the footy world alight with a brilliant first two seasons that saw him win the AFL Rising Star Award, as well as the club's best and fairest in 2023.
He was again prominent in 2024, polling 15 Brownlow votes despite the Roos winning just three games.
Sheezel has continued to rack up big numbers this year, but is not having as big an influence on games.
His performances have led to some criticism, with Channel 7 commentator Kane Cornes accusing him of getting 'stat-padding' and
urging North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson to coach him harder
.
The fallout to that resulted in
Cornes getting banned from a pre-game interview
ahead of the Roos' clash against Essendon on Thursday night footy.
Speaking to Channel 7's Hamish McLachlan on Unfiltered, Sheezel admitted the spotlight on his form has been 'tough', but he has things in place to block out the external noise.
'It's tough. I definitely am sort of ... not struggling with it, but it can get pretty hard after a game when you feel like you can have more impact on the game and feel like you should be on a trajectory that you should be influencing games more and having a more successful year,' he said.
'It definitely can get tough and you feel like you're letting, not only yourself down, but the team down and the greater footy public, but what people keep reassuring me and I've done a lot of reading and speaking to you has been so helpful is about not just getting caught up in all that, sticking to what's important and that is playing my role to the best of my ability each week no matter what that is.
'And the extra step is, what am I doing during the week to help that, how am I getting better each day, how am I learning from my mistakes, things that I could be doing better, listening to my coaches, my family and just trusting the process because at the end of the day that's all that matters.
'And enjoying that process along the way and not buying into the pressure or the external noise and the people that don't matter, let's say.'
Sheezel went on to say that he is embracing the challenge and 'it will hold him in good stead going forward.'
'I think no matter how I play moving forward, I've developed some pretty good tools to keep me level, keep me focused and present, which is the main thing,' he said.
'I guess the motto I live by is just be present, because when you are present, you are your best self, you are not worrying about what's happened and what other people are saying, not worrying about the future either, just worrying about right now.'
Sheezel has also been working closely with former Richmond captain Kane Johnson, who is new to the club as a leadership and mindset coach.
'We've done a lot of breath work and mindfulness and he's given me a couple of books to read and it keeps coming back to that — being present and when you're present, you are your best self,' he said.
'I've related to my football in terms of how I can have a greater purpose outside of myself and just wanting to play better for that external recognition or the media thinking I'm a good footballer or getting pumped up by people.
'It's beyond that. And for me, I've developed this purpose beyond myself and really investing in my teammates. How am I getting satisfaction out of them succeeding, not just on game day but during the week ... how I can help them.
'I feel like it's helping me a lot, come out of my own head, not worry so much about my own ego.
'This has really been a great lesson for me, this I wouldn't say adversity, but this challenging period. Just a reminder that what matters to focus my energy and attention on.'
Unfiltered with Hamish McLachlan featuring North Melbourne star player Harry Sheezel, 9.30pm straight after The Front Bar on Seven and 7plus.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
4 hours ago
- Perth Now
Aus cricket great's daughter spills crazy untold team story
Raised in the shadow of an Australian cricket great, emerging TV personality Grace Hayden is out to prove she's more than just 'Matthew Hayden's daughter' as she steers her very own sports show for US broadcaster Willow. Launching her weekly video podcast on Monday morning, titled Game On with Grace, the project continues an upward trajectory for the 23-year-old following stints as a presenter for the IPL, Channel 7's horse racing coverage, and the GT20 Canada. 'We came up with the idea of uncovering and showing a guide to the athletes that we know and love,' she told PerthNow. 'Obviously, we see the records, we see them at their highest. But getting to know them off the field or off the court, and just having a chat and a space to have heart-to-heart conversations and have a laugh, tell some untold stories.' Grace Hayden presenting in India. Credit: Grace Hayden Pursuing modelling as a teenager, Hayden's love for the spotlight began as a youngster when the cameras chased her family around airports or cricket grounds in the wake of her dad's various accomplishments. But hardly a slouch on the field, the high-achiever won most sports girl of the year awards in high school and was the 'most competitive person you've ever met'. However, carrying the burden of her famous name meant the precocious youngster faced more scrutiny than most. 'People always want to have their comment or their say, but, you know, it builds thicker skin, and it teaches you to work hard on your own merit,' she admitted. Grace Hayden flaunts a glamorous look. Credit: Grace Hayden / IG With trailblazing wicket keeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist as her show's first guest, the host said she could she could never have imagined the revered figures she grew up around would one day spill their private moments on camera to 'little Gracie'. Because many yarns of yesteryear have not quite enjoyed their full spin, even those involving the debaucherous side to her father. 'Gilly, on the podcast, told a story of, back in South Africa, a World Cup or something that they won, and he (Matthew Hayden) got on top of the gondola (cable car) in Cape Town naked with the Australian flag wrapped around him. So that was a goody,' she laughed. 'Mum absolutely despises that, she was pregnant with the youngest back home. But honestly, what goes on in tour, I think should stay behind closed doors. 'Thank goodness there were no cell phones and video footage of that one.' The former keeper said players would strengthen their bonds while on tour, and in that instance, they took the team song away from the change room. 'Some were in the cable car, others were on the roof of the cable car... OH&S wouldn't have had a great time,' Gilchrist recalled. Speaking effusively of her father's relationship with fellow opener Justin Langer, Hayden said it's special to see their connection grow in the years following both of their retirements. Labelling the West Aussie and her father as an 'unlikely pair' with a good friendship, she explained that another former star-turned-coach has stayed just as tight with her dad. 'Even to this day, they're super close to him, JL and Punter (Ricky Ponting), they're just the deadly trio, we like to call them,' she said. Hayden said the ferocity with which her father wielded the bat does not match the bubbly and happy-go-lucky approach he has as a broadcaster. 'Obviously, he didn't have that reputation back on the cricket pitch, but anyone who knows him now, he's just a big, soft teddy bear,' she said. Matthew Hayden cradles daughter Grace during his playing career. Credit: Grace Hayden/IG / IG Enjoying a social following of 300,000, and regularly flaunting her many glamorous looks, the young presenter looks every bit the rising media star. However, like many children, she doesn't quite agree with the fashion choices of the generation before her. One point of contention is her dad's larger-than-life hat collection that has caught the eye of fans across the world. And not always for the right reasons. 'Fashion isn't the thing that we see eye to eye on,' she joked, adding, 'I actually like the big hat on Dad. I think it suits him'. While too young to witness her father's famous knock of 380 at the WACA in 2003, Hayden has enjoyed recent visits to Perth, including her attendance at Mandurah Crab Fest in 2024 with her father who is an avid fisherman. And she's been twisting the arm of her boyfriend, Wilson Statham, to take her whale shark dark diving up the WA coast when time permits. Wilson Statham and Grace Hayden. Credit: Grace Hayden/IG / IG 'I'm a surfer, so you've kind of got it all,' Hayden said. 'Beautiful beaches, nice wine, beautiful people. But the Crab Fest, it was such a nice community vibe, good food, music. It had it all, really. And in Mandurah, what a spot to be, very lucky.' Fans can watch Game On with Grace on all major podcast platforms.
West Australian
4 hours ago
- West Australian
Grace Hayden: Adam Gilchrist reveals hilarious story about Matthew Hayden on Game On with Grace podcast
Raised in the shadow of an Australian cricket great, emerging TV personality Grace Hayden is out to prove she's more than just 'Matthew Hayden's daughter' as she steers her very own sports show for US broadcaster Willow. Launching her weekly video podcast on Monday morning, titled Game On with Grace , the project continues an upward trajectory for the 23-year-old following stints as a presenter for the IPL, Channel 7's horse racing coverage, and the GT20 Canada. 'We came up with the idea of uncovering and showing a guide to the athletes that we know and love,' she told PerthNow. 'Obviously, we see the records, we see them at their highest. But getting to know them off the field or off the court, and just having a chat and a space to have heart-to-heart conversations and have a laugh, tell some untold stories.' Pursuing modelling as a teenager, Hayden's love for the spotlight began as a youngster when the cameras chased her family around airports or cricket grounds in the wake of her dad's various accomplishments. But hardly a slouch on the field, the high-achiever won most sports girl of the year awards in high school and was the 'most competitive person you've ever met'. However, carrying the burden of her famous name meant the precocious youngster faced more scrutiny than most. 'People always want to have their comment or their say, but, you know, it builds thicker skin, and it teaches you to work hard on your own merit,' she admitted. With trailblazing wicket keeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist as her show's first guest, the host said she could she could never have imagined the revered figures she grew up around would one day spill their private moments on camera to 'little Gracie'. Because many yarns of yesteryear have not quite enjoyed their full spin, even those involving the debaucherous side to her father. 'Gilly, on the podcast, told a story of, back in South Africa, a World Cup or something that they won, and he (Matthew Hayden) got on top of the gondola (cable car) in Cape Town naked with the Australian flag wrapped around him. So that was a goody,' she laughed. 'Mum absolutely despises that, she was pregnant with the youngest back home. But honestly, what goes on in tour, I think should stay behind closed doors. 'Thank goodness there were no cell phones and video footage of that one.' The former keeper said players would form strengthen their bonds while on tour, and in that instance, they took the team song away from the change room. 'Some were in the cable car, others were on the roof of the cable car... which, OH&S wouldn't have had a great time,' Gilchrist recalled. Speaking effusively of her father's relationship with fellow opener Justin Langer, Hayden said it's special to see their bond continue in the years following both of their retirements. Labelling the West Aussie and her father as an 'unlikely pair' with a good friendship, she explained that another former star-turned-coach has stayed just as tight with her dad. 'Even to this day, they're super close to him, JL and Punter (Ricky Ponting), they're just the deadly trio, we like to call them,' she said. Hayden said the ferocity with which her father wielded the bat does not match the bubbly and happy-go-lucky approach he has as a broadcaster. 'Obviously, he didn't have that reputation back on the cricket pitch, but anyone who knows him now, he's just a big, soft teddy bear,' she said. Enjoying a social following of 300,000, and regularly flaunting her many glamorous looks, the young presenter looks every bit the rising media star. However, like many children, she doesn't quite agree with the fashion choices of the generation before her. One point of contention is her dad's larger-than-life hat collection that has caught the eye of fans across the world. And not always for the right reasons. 'Fashion isn't the thing that we see eye to eye on,' she joked, adding, 'I actually like the big hat on Dad. I think it suits him'. While too young to witness her father's famous knock of 380 at the WACA in 2003, Hayden has enjoyed recent visits to Perth, including her attendance at Mandurah Crab Fest in 2024 with her father who is an avid fisherman. And she's been twisting the arm of her boyfriend, Wilson Statham, to take her whale shark dark diving up the WA coast when time permits. 'I'm a surfer, so you've kind of got it all,' Hayden said. 'Beautiful beaches, nice wine, beautiful people. But the Crab Fest, it was such a nice community vibe, good food, music. It had it all, really. And in Mandurah, what a spot to be, very lucky.' Fans can watch Game On with Grace on all major podcast platforms.
The Age
5 hours ago
- The Age
Swan faces AFL ban over homophobic slur; Kick ‘rehearsal' to launch AFLW season; Hawks could regain Day
Andrew's slur comes as Sydney prepare to hold their annual celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities, when they host Essendon at the SCG on 2 August. 'In a fortnight we will be playing in the Pride Game, a match that is incredibly important to our club,' Harley said. 'We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.' Andrew was taken with pick No.55 in last year's draft and is yet to make his AFL debut. Earlier this month, West Coast midfielder Jack Graham was found guilty of conduct unbecoming and suspended for four matches for using a homophobic slur during his side's loss to GWS. AAP The mis-kick that launched AFLW season 10 Hannah Kennelly On a sunny Monday morning at Ikon Park, the league celebrated the launch of AFLW's 10th season. But not everything went according to plan. Jasmine Garner, the decorated premiership Roo who has been All-Australian six times, the AFLPA MVP twice, the coaches' selection as best player of the year twice and a four-time North Melbourne best and fairest, showed that even the best can make mistakes. Garner – who kicked the league's first goal back in the 2017 inaugural match, when she played for Collingwood – reenacted her history-making goal against a backdrop of fluorescent coral smoke, pyrotechnics and a crowd of journalists. Except this time, she missed. 'That was a rehearsal,' someone yelled out from the crowd. With a grin, Garner tried again and easily slotted the goal, much to the delight of the crowd and fellow players. 'It was the new boots,' she joked. The 31-year-old, who was recently named as North Melbourne's new captain to lead the Roos in their premiership defence, reflected on the competition's growth. 'Ten seasons, thinking back, it's a nice time to reflect and think about how far we've come in our competition and individually as well,' she said. 'It's been a nice journey and hopefully plenty more to come.' Adelaide star and league best-and-fairest winner Ebony Marinoff, and Brisbane player Ally Anderson, enter the 2025 season with a shared-record 93 games and are set to be the first players to reach 100 AFLW games. Marinoff, who was drafted in 2016 – the same year as Brisbane Lions star Hugh McCluggage – said the fact that McCluggage notched up 200 AFL games last week put the 100-game AFLW milestone into perspective. 'There will be a few that reach the 100-game milestone compared to the 200-games men,' Marinoff said. 'I'm not sure how that coincides but naturally in the first few years we played seven to eight games, and a few more now. But it's an awesome milestone and given the fact that I've played footy all my life and didn't really think that was a possibility to reach 100 games for an AFL club, so it will be pretty cool.' Bulldogs midfielder Ellie Blackburn said she was looking forward to the 2025 season and was glad to see the controversial condensed fixture removed. 'No midweek games, I think it probably allows players to settle a little bit more,' she said. 'You're not focused on the external noise as much as what you probably would have been in previous seasons.' The AFLW's growth has skyrocketed over the last decade, with a recent collective bargaining agreement ensuring all players are paid full-time. However, a detailed review of AFLW has concluded that the players' wish for an expanded season by 2031-32, in which every team played each other once, would come at a $200 million annual loss. But AFLW general manager Emma Moore said she was incredibly proud of the game's growth across the decade, highlighting the improvement of facilities and infrastructure across the country to 'unlock the game for girls'. 'What I am most looking forward to over the next decade is that we're really focused on growth, and we know exactly what we're doing,' she said. 'We've released a draft strategy, and we'll be finalising that in August. It's a long-term strategy and vision, and we will look to be the best competition in the country for women's sport, and we're really, really proud of that goal.' Happy Day: Star Hawk could face Blues on Thursday Jon Pierik Hawthorn star Will Day is firmly in the selection mix to return from injury for Thursday night's clash against Carlton. Day has not played since round three because of a stress fracture in his right foot, but has progressed well over the past month and rejoined full training. A club spokesman said should the 2023 Peter Crimmins medallist emerge unscathed from the Hawks' main training session on Tuesday, he will be in line to face the Blues at the MCG. The Hawks, however, will be without Finn Maginness, who remains in hospital in Hobart after having surgery on a lacerated kidney. Maginness was hurt in the 38-point win over Port Adelaide in Launceston on Saturday.
