Brodie’s plans include a Boxing Day run

AS most rest up from festivities or watch Test cricket, Brodie Montague’s plans for Boxing Day include running.

Montague’s build-up for a second season with Mount Pleasant Football Netball Club will include running the streets of Rochester on 26 December.

“A running session on Boxing Day is something I have always done,” he said.

The now 37-year-old takes a lot of pride in his workrate and endurance on the football field.

Montague’s ability to run to contest after contest is a major strength of his game.

“I do at least one 25-kilometre run a week, a lot of sprint sessions, and aim to run at least 10km on the other days,” he said.

An emphasis on running is something Montague has had since his days with the Bendigo Pioneers in what was then known as the TAC Cup under-18s competition.

Being a midfielder requires plenty of running – not just to attack, but also defend.

“It’s all about getting to as many contests as you can, and then being able to break clear of or catch opponents from a contest,” Montague said.

It was a bitter-sweet end to last season for Montague.

After playing 14 consecutive senior matches for Mounts, he was sidelined by a gall bladder issue that required surgery.

Montague made it back on-field to play for the Blues in the Heathcote DFNL reserves grand final against North Bendigo.

He was among the best in a five-point loss.

A couple of hours later and the Mounts players and fans were celebrating an 89-84 victory against North Bendigo in the senior grand final.

Being part of a premiership is what Montague had experienced previously with Sandhurst in 2016.

A decade on from that success and he will be part of a Mount Pleasant lineup with strong connections to the Dragons.

Blues playing coach Josh Hann was with Sandhurst in 2016, along with Montague and new recruits Alex and Joel Wharton. “It’s great the Wharton brothers have joined the club,” Montague said. “They have a lot of experience, skill, and can run.”

As summer rolls on, Montague may race in a marathon or half-marathon.