Former Collingwood sports science director David Buttifant was a key reason behind the club’s success throughout the 2000s and early 2010s.
Joining the club at the turn of the century, Buttifant helped turn Collingwood into one of the competition’s fittest teams under Mick Malthouse as they made five Grand Finals during his 13-year stint at the club including the 2010 premiership.
Collingwood’s team throughout that era was littered with stars and big personalities and none drew more attention both on and off-field as the ‘Rat Pack’ that included Dane Swan, Alan Didak, Ben Johnson, Heath Shaw and Chris Tarrant.
While those players often had their attitudes questioned by outside figures, Buttifant says they were a joy to work with on the training track as they gave their all to get the most out of themselves.
“They were very loyal to one another,” Buttifant said on This is Your Journey – thanks to Tobin Brothers.
“But when they were asked to work, they worked. They weren’t avoiding training, they took ownership and they were truly accountable for their behaviour.
“I think with a guy like ‘Swanny’, he was portrayed as pretty laid back, but under that layer, he was a fierce competitor and a worker. He hardly missed training.
‘Johnno’ (Ben Johnson) was the same (Alan) Didak was the same. If you asked them to do it, they’d do it.
“That’s basically what you need to do. You have to have that relationship where they trust you to take it to that precipice.”
While the group was full of characters, Buttifant enjoyed working with them and is a fan of big personalities bringing different perspectives to AFL footy and life in general.
“I enjoyed working with them,” Buttifant said.
“You’re not going to have all choir boys, that’s the great thing about our game.
“The diversity is very important and understanding what different people can bring value to your organisation.”
Listen to the full chat with the fitness guru below.