How has the team dynamic evolved since the start of the season?

At first I think the premier league was a bit of a shock to our system as a whole. The way the fixtures mapped out meant it was hard to find our groove from the beginning, however, I feel like everyone has stepped up to the challenge and really proven themselves across these last 4/5 games which has shown in our results.

You’ve moved up a couple of line this year and become the team’s current top scorer / What does scoring for the team mean to you personally, and how have you taken to life in the attacking midfield?

Scoring is a great individual feeling but it means so much more for the team as each goal is a culmination of roughly 20 people’s hard work to get you into that position, So, personally I feel very proud each time I score for Southgate and understand that it’s very much a group achievement.

Life in high midfield is exciting and dynamic, there’s a couple of differences to get your head around compared to halfback but it’s nice to be impactful slightly higher up the pitch and really threaten the opposition’s goal each time I can get on the ball.

Do you have a favourite goal from the ones scored so far?

My favourite goal was probably the 3rd of my hattrick against Bowden. the ball fell to me exactly where I needed it and the finish was very much instinctive. It was great to grab the winner in an important game but it’s not everyday you score a premier league hattrick so that’s definitely my favourite.

⁠Do you have a vision for where you’d like to see the M1s by the end of this season, and what’s one key thing you think will get you there?

I think our obvious goal is the playoffs and making top 8 but I would love if we could keep competing with the top sides in the league throughout the season. We have had some very close games against top sides and may have been unlucky not to get more from a couple of those games. We are a young squad but we are learning very quickly and I feel we can really push to show the kind of team we are.

One thing that will definitely get us there is the belief in the squad and the trusting in our ability. We have shown how fast-paced, controlling, but aggressive our style of hockey is and how effective it can be.

Who would you say is the team’s most stylish player?

Most stylish player is without a doubt Shane Benfell. The man rocks up in doc martens, a turtleneck jumper and, some cords, with a beautifully shaped moustache and mullet. It’s all quite mesmerising.

What’s your favourite part of match day, on or off the pitch?

There’s a couple of specific things I love about match day. Firstly, turning up early and grabbing a coffee, chatting to the boys, and seeing some familiar faces, really gets your mind out of whatever is going on outside of hockey and into the gameday mindset.

The next thing is the walkout/runout with the flares at Southgate and the lineup on the pitch. I think it adds that premier league feel and excitement and provides that extra bit of motivation pre-game.

Finally how do you feel about the game against Holcombe, playing against some familiar faces!

I think it’s an exciting challenge for us as a group. Obviously they’re a tough opposition and there are a few familiar faces who we know are strong players, but that only adds to our motivation to put in a really well-rounded performance and play our game.