Talking to NMFC.com.au on Tuesday, the left-footer recognised the challenges ahead.
“I’m going to have to change my game a little bit,” Mullett admitted.
PRESS PLAY above to watch the Mullett update | YouTube
“Hopefully guys like Luke McDonald and Nick Dal Santo; blokes will be going to them as well, so we’ll share the load. With how Ats (Shaun Atley) did it last year, I’ll have to take a leaf out of his book and really run hard now.”
While aware of the extra attention Mullett will receive, defensive coach Josh Drummond knows he’ll put himself in the best possible position to succeed.
“With the type of character he is and also with the way he’s gone about his training so far this pre-season, he’s ready to continue improving and be an important player for us.
“He did spend some time last year off a wing and we need players who can play multiple positions in this day and age with the rotations that are in place. He’s definitely got that capability to move up if need be. It’s always handy to have that option up your sleeve.”
Alongside Mullett, McDonald and Dal Santo could prove additions to the team, running off half-back and through the middle. The 21-year-old has been impressed with the output of his new counterparts.
“I was really impressed with Lukey and how he goes about it; he talks really well.
“Nick Dal Santo, it speaks for himself really with the way he goes about his footy. It’s really exciting having those two back there.
“The boys have said (Dal Santo’s) been unbelievable for the group. Even in meetings he brings something different to our club.”
On a personal level, Mullett has recovered well, albeit slowly from a toe injury.
“It happened last pre-season actually; I had a little fracture in the bottom of my toe,” he added.
“I got through all year with it, but at the end of the year we (Mullett and the club’s doctors) decided to get the bone out and go from there, just in case it got any worse in the long-term we thought we’d do it early.
“Bits and pieces it affected me last season. Earlier on in the hard grounds but then as the year went on the grounds got softer and it wasn’t too bad. I just had to pick the right boots to wear and manage it during the week.”
News of Mullett’s injury would come as a surprise to many, especially considering his blistering start to the year and consistency across the season.
In Round 2 he earned a NAB Rising Star nomination against Geelong and went on to average almost 24 possessions a game over the first month.
Round 1 v Collingwood – 22 disposals, 5 marks, 4 rebound 50’s, 1 goal
Round 2 v Geelong – 21 disposals, 5 marks, 6 rebound 50’s, 6 tackles, 1 goal
Round 3 v Sydney – 26 disposals, 6 marks, 4 inside 50’s, 10 contested possessions
Round 4 v Brisbane – 22 disposals, 6 marks, 4 inside 50’s, 1 goal
Now, unhindered, he’ll only continue to improve.
“It’s all good now. Obviously you still need to reassess it after every training session but right now it’s pulling up really well. I’ve done two main sessions now so it’s really exciting.”
