Hepburn Duo – Ned Johns and Jackson Hogan

Raquel Stevens dropped into training to discuss this weekend’s blockbuster Derby with Ned and Jackson.

Hepburn vs Daylesford tomorrow, what will be going through your mind?

Jackson: Just trying to get first to the ball and do it tough I suppose.

Ned: Really excited, massive rivalry, just really hoping to get the four points.

Describe the rivalry with Daylesford.

Jackson: Since I’ve been in the club, it’s been drummed in from the older blokes. I’ve only been here since 2017, and you keep hearing from the top down, there’s a lot of meaning behind it and it’s gone on for years and years.

Ned: I’ve been here most of my life, so most of my family’s played for Hepburn and been part of the massive rivalry. I’ve enjoyed watching the games, they’re always a fierce contest.

What is your pre-game ritual?

Ned: Three dim sims before the game and that’ll be right. Steamed of course.

Jackson: I don’t really have one, just to stay hydrated, get plenty of food in and a few carbs the night before. Carbonara is good.

What’s your secret spot in Daylesford?

Jackson: The Pastry King does good coffee.

Ned: I’m not a massive coffee man myself, I’m more of an instant coffee man. However, I do like going down to the springs, it’s a beautiful spot.

If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?

Ned: Mine would definitely be teleporting, 100%. From destination to destination faster.

Jackson: I’d probably fly. Zip around in the air.

Describe your most interesting life experience thus far.

Jackson: Probably having my first child. I didn’t have her, my wife did.

Ned: My girlfriend and I just got back from overseas. Peru, Colombia, and Mexico. Pretty awesome places.

What’s in your fridge right now?

Jackson: The beer fridge? Carlton Dry, a few of them.

Ned: I still live at home with dad, so just the staples.

What are you streaming?

Ned: My girlfriend, she’s into the crime stuff, but it’s not really for me though.

Jackson: Kayo, always sport.

Funniest player in the team?

Jackson: A couple of the young fellas are pretty funny. Bathy, I reckon, he’s full of cheek. Cooper Bath.

Ned: I’d have to go Kyle Yanner for me.

Player to watch this season?

Ned: Liam O’Halloran.

Jackson: Jackson Carrick.

Best advice anyone ever gave you?

Jackson: Stick at something, just keep ticking along with what you have a go at.
Ned: Just go for it.

I have never…

Jackson: I have never gone home from the pub after having one or two beers. Not once!

Ned: I’ve probably never listened to my girlfriend, Lacie, either.

Most annoying footy ‘cliché’?

Jackson: Too many. Not sure on that one.

Ned: I don’t know if it’s so much a cliche, but I’m getting pretty sick of Brian O’Halloran telling us to kick the ball long.

If you were a hashtag, what would you be?

Ned: #youflyillcrumb

Jackson: #itsnotallbad

Prediction for Derby?

Jackson: Hepburn. Comfortably.

Ned: I’d say we’re confident, and the way we’ve been training. We’ll go in pretty heavy.

Who will win the Bill Malone medal?

Jackson: I reckon big Shaun Tighe in the ruck might have a day out.

Ned: Yeah, Shaun.

The Daylesford Derby is at Victoria Park Saturday. The seniors’ match kicks off at 2.30pm. Good luck fellas.

Raquel Stevens is a former Network Ten News Journalist. She has been a part time local for more than 25 years, and one day hopes to be a full time local.