Aaron Finch
YOUNG MEN IN A HURRY
By Ken Piesse
Aaron Finch says Christmas has come early with his promotion into Victoria's No.1 squad for an international against the Indians.
"It's all happening at the right time," he says.
"I feel a lot more confident in my game in the last six months, ever since having another winter in Brisbane (with the Centre of Excellence)."
The 21-year-old has made three Premier League centuries so far this summer as well as debuting for Victoria.
Slimmer this year and more measured in his approach, particularly at the start of his innings, Finch says all aspects of his game are improving.
"My technique has tightened up and my mental approach to batting has changed quite a bit, too," he said.
"I've no doubt that has helped me to be more consistent.
"Opening the batting (at Geelong) with Liam Buchanan has been good, too as there is no pressure to score runs at any kind of rate, not with the way he hits them around."
Finch was particularly impressive in the home game against Prahran when he batted through for a season-best 137 not out, with Geelong chasing 240.
Asked about his second consecutive winter spent up north honing his game he said he was a lot better prepared in 2007 than he was in his initial stint last year.
"I knew what to expect and was able to plan my time a lot better," he said.
"I got a lot more out of it."
He says he is a lot hungrier to make it to the next level on a consistent basis.
He has sworn off many of his favorite foods and has lost 7 kilograms in the process, helping him to be a better player.
"I've been very motivated to come back better than before.
"My weight has always been an issue until this year.
"So many people around the squad have been good for me. We have a real focus as a group and are a very close unit which all helps."
Originally from Colac, Finch first made a Victorian XII in 2005-06 without actually playing a game.
For years he was one of the foremost teenage players in the state and good judges like ex-Victorian captain and coach Ian Redpath regard him as a future state regular.
