BIG RUS - Russell Gabriel Leaps Towards AFL

Russell Gabriel or BIG RUS as he is known at the Frankston Dolphins is a clear favourite amongst players and supporters. In talking to Russell, it was clear to see that success for the club and him personally this year is paramount.

Last year, he was arguably the best performed ruckman in the VFL, according to his coach Simon Goosey. This is what BIG RUS had to say about himself.

Media:            Russell, what is your nickname?
Gabriel:          ‘BIG RUS’

Media:            Where did you play your junior football?
Gabriel:          I played at Hallam and Noble Park.

Media:            Who was / is your favourite coach?
Gabriel:          Simon Goosey.

Media:           Which AFL footballer do you play like?
Gabriel:          Not sure, but I am a big fan of David Hille

Media:            Who is your favourite AFL player
Gabriel:          David Hille

Media:            Which AFL team would you like to play for?
Gabriel:          Collingwood, their training facilities are second to none.

Media:            What is your favourite spot on the Mornington Peninsula?
Gabriel:          Frankston Foreshore at night at Sophia’s?

Media:            Who is your favourite Dolphins player?
Gabriel:          PK, he is hard at it, talks non-stop and drives me mad.

Media:           What is your favourite Mornington Peninsula restaurant?
Gabriel:          Sophia’s at Frankston…..the meals are huge!

Media:            Is there pride in representing the Frankston / MP region?
Gabriel:          Yes, it’s an enormous honour that I respect.

I once went back to playing local football but it’s not the same, the atmosphere at the Frankston Dolphins is HUGE and the players are a great bunch of blokes. Nowadays, I wear ‘Normies’ jumper which is an honour and I wear it with pride.

Media:            How do you think Frankston Dolphins will go this year?
Gabriel:          I think we will improve greatly from last year.

We should have won five or six games last year but lost by small margins. Our team is older this year, has good skills and a good mix of talls and smalls.

 As I was interviewing BIG RUS, I realised that beneath the exterior was a very genuine and likeable club man. But one could sense there is ‘fire in the belly’ of BIG RUS. Expect a huge year from the big fella!

Good Luck RUS!