The future of St Kilda's Justin Koschitzke is in serious doubt after a tumultuous night against Collingwood.
Justin Koschitzke looks back after crunching Elliott. Picture: Wayne Ludbey
AN apologetic Justin Koschitzke has spoken out in a bid to preserve his reputation as a ball player.
The St Kilda big man said today he doesn't want to be remembered for the clash that resulted in a two-game suspension.
The 30-year-old told the Saints website he phoned Collingwood victim Jamie Elliott on Saturday to say sorry for the strike that he said was an accident.
"I know I've done the wrong thing, but we accept that and we move on from here,'' Koschitzke said.
"Obviously I've done the wrong thing and I wanted to let people know I'm remorseful for that and I don't want to be recognised or remembered as someone who is going to do those things off the play. It's not what were about as a club and certainly not what I'm about.''
Koschitzke contacted Elliott on Saturday to check on his wellbeing.
"It was accidental and I was just trying to check Jamie off the ball and, obviously, the clumsiness made it look a bit dirtier than what the intention was about,'' he said.
"I rang Jamie the next day, I was concerned about him and made sure he's OK. I made sure he understood I didn't mean anything harmful by it and he understood that. We move on now.
"I think he was quite surprised I called him. He knew I didn't mean anything dirty by it and that I was just checking him off the ball and blocking his run. He knew I didn't mean to get him high so it was good to put that at ease.''
The 197-game ruckman-forward vowed to work as hard as possible to force his way back into the senior team.
"I've got to turn it into a positive now, I've got two weeks to go and train and let my actions do the talking and really help the young kids,'' he said.
"I'm by no means done as a lot of people out there are jumping to some conclusions and saying. I've still got the year to go, were still very young in the year and other people are going to get their chance. But I'll be working pretty hard to get back out there and put the red, white and black on again and finish the year on a positive note.
"The body feels good. I've been around a while now and if I'm not contributing on the ground it has been a really good learning experience being able to play in the VFL and almost coach some of the kids in the pressures and physical demands of playing AFL footy.
"It's been really rewarding to see that coming through. That's got to be my role in the next couple of weeks to make sure the club goes forward and get myself in the best position to be selected again after the suspensions finished.''
Add your comment Hide comment