The 20-year-old Irishman visited his homeland during the off-season but will not be returning for the festive season, which will enable him to hit the ground running when pre-season training commences in early January.
“I went back to Ireland pretty much as the season ended, I was straight on the plane two days after,” Mooney told CTV.
“I got back there for about six and a half weeks and didn’t really get up to much. I just spent the time with the family and friends and that sort of thing.
Review Caolan Mooney's 2013 campaign.
“I’m just sort of happy to be back because Ireland’s not in a good place at the minute with the recession so I’m pretty honoured to be over here and have a job. A lot of boys are struggling at the minute.
“I won’t go back for Christmas, either. I’ve just got my missus here so I’ll probably spend it with her on Christmas Day and then we’ll just look to go on a holiday for the new years and start a new tradition together.
“My girlfriend has just accepted a four-year course in physiotherapy so we’re stuck together now.”
Mooney said his previous experiences in returning home during the off-season had taught him how to ensure his body returned in good shape for the pre-season.
“Most of my friends are at university. Up in Belfast they live in a remote student area. Compared to last year I spent a lot of time up there but this year I sort of tried to stay away as much so I could actually train more,” he said.
“I came back in bad shape in my first year but this year I feel like I’m in reasonable nick.”
Mooney has played a total of six senior games and 26 VFL games for the Magpies in his two years on the rookie list.
Interestingly, he has not yet experienced one senior game without being involved as a substitute.
“Playing as a small forward is really tough,” he explains.
“It’s hard to get the ball but the aspect I really enjoyed was using my speed to be able to apply pressure and tackle.
“I’ll use this pre-season to get myself mentally ready. Instead of fading in and out of games I want to be consistent and consistent week in, week out.
“In Gaelic that was my problem, I was up and down each week, so if I can consistently play there’s no reason why I can’t put my hand up.”
48. Caolan Mooney
Key AFL Statistics (two games; averages in brackets):
Disposals: 11 (5.5) Marks: 2 (1.0) Tackles: 6 (3.0) Inside 50s: 0 (0.0) Score Assists: 0 (0.0) Marks Inside 50: 0 (0.0) Tackles Inside 50: 2 (1.1) Contested Marks: 0 (0.0)
Key VFL Statistics (16 games; averages in brackets):
Disposals: 221 (13.8) Marks: 32 (2.0) Tackles: 79 (4.9) Inside 50s: 49 (3.1) Score Assists: 14 (0.9) Marks Inside 50: 12 (0.8) Tackles Inside 50: 18 (1.1) Contested Marks: 2 (0.1)
