Jack Vanderglas

Navy Canberra Vikings flanker Jack Vanderglas lived a footballing dream on Friday night when he won the 2007 Macdougall Medal, earned his first starting cap for the Navy Canberra Vikings against the Perth Spirit and took man-of-the-match honours in his debut run-on appearance. Vanderglas will again start for the Navy Canberra Vikings, alongside backrow partners Julian Salvi and Jone Tawake, in their clash with the Ballymore Tornadoes at Manuka Oval on Sunday. Brumby Jack caught up with Jack ahead of the Navy Canberra Vikings’ Round Two Mazda Australian Rugby Championship (ARC) fixture with the Tornadoes.

Brumby Jack: What does it mean to you to win the Macdougall Medal?
Jack Vanderglas: It’s hard to describe – it’s a huge thing for me. To be acknowledged as the best and fairest club player would be a huge honour for anyone, especially when you look at some of the previous winners. So to win it, I’m stoked.

BJ: Is it something that you gave any thought to during the season?
JV: No, not really. People mentioned it towards the end of the season that I might be in with a chance but it wasn’t something that I paid too much attention to. It wasn’t a target that I set myself but I think it just came as a result of having a fun season and enjoying my footy.

BJ: Friday was a big day for you: winning the Macdougall Medal, earning your first starting cap for the Navy Canberra Vikings and finishing it off with a man-of-the-match performance. Can you describe what that day was like?
JV: Not really, it was huge. I had to sit down at the end of it, have a think through it and retrace the day. It didn’t really all sink in until later; it was a really good night for me.

BJ: How have you found being part of a full-time program with the Navy Canberra Vikings?
JV: I absolutely love it. It’s very different to working seven to three thirty… well, maybe three with an early knock-off. It’s been great to train full time and I’ve already noticed my game developing. It’s been great though, I’m really loving it.

BJ: How have you found playing in the Mazda ARC?
JV: It’s really tough and it’s definitely a new level for me. But I think as I play more games I’ll get used to this standard, I’ll enjoy it even more.

BJ: You take on the Ballymore Tornadoes at Manuka Oval on Sunday. What are you expecting from them?
JV: It’s going to be a tough encounter. They’ve got a number of very exciting backs and it’s a great chance for Canberra crowds to see Clinton Schifcofske play rugby here for the first time. They’ve also got a very strong pack of forwards with guys like James Horwill and Leroy Houston. But we’ll just be looking to build on our performance from last week and take our game forward.

BJ: This weekend you’ll front a Tornadoes backrow that includes the likes of Leroy Houston and Tom McVerry. How have you found playing against these Investec Super 14-quality players?
JV: It’s been fantastic and it’s been an awesome challenge for me. You tend to get bashed about a bit by these more experienced guys, but as long as you keep bouncing back and put in your best, that’s all you can ask of yourself.