GOOD NEWS:How a super star player has increased his motivation to improve

How Henry is now more driven to get better

Liam Henry, who is only 22 years old, is significantly more interested in things other than the typical pastimes that many of his fellow football players engage in.

Yes, there are the typical things. He obviously enjoys many things, like binge-watching Netflix series, playing golf (he can easily spend an entire day on the course), and listening to Alan Jackson’s vintage country tunes as well as Luke Combs’ more recent singles.

But beyond that, there’s a drive that not many people his age have. Above all, he wants to use everything and everything as motivation. His fashion company, Tied To Culture, is already taking off before it even reaches the Melbourne market this year. He also wants to demonstrate his goods in his hues this season. Including the “usual stuff”.

Henry doesn’t squander much. Netflix shows serve a purpose beyond simple amusement, and song lyrics can inspire someone’s AFL career in addition to providing pure fun.

Henry told saints.com.au, “I think that just relates everything I do off-field hopefully goes back to on-field.”

As he begins his most recent endeavour at St Kilda, Liam Henry has no shortage of motivation, ranging from the fictional Adonis Creed to rapper Meek Mill, Cyril Rioli to Danny Green, Patrick Mahomes to Michael Walters.

Henry has taken advantage of every chance to improve himself on the pitch, whether it be through the football skills of Walters, his childhood hero Rioli (the player who inspired Henry to follow the Hawks as a child), or the guidance of fellow Western Australian and boxing champion Danny Green. The motivation behind each of these has come from Henry himself.

One of Henry’s leading motivators is the song Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill; a staple of Kansas City’s Mahomes’ pre-game featured in the Netflix series Quarterback – watched avidly by Henry – and one now a core part of his own individual hype playlist.

“I listen to that every time before I enter the stadium, and that’s my last song before I run onto the field,” Henry said.

“When I watched it on the new Netflix series Quarterback… that’s something that inspires me to go out and do it.

 

“Danny Green and I get along pretty well.” He is among those from whom I consistently receive advice. He has achieved it on the global stage and at the pinnacle of his sport.

He’s a really dedicated human being, and I’ve loved learning from him. He’s clearly one of the greats, and I love to learn from the best.

The Creed series is one of my favourite movie series. Of course, I like it best when it serves as inspiration. The UFC and boxing are two sports I adore.

With the gloves on, Henry may not look too bad, but his real brilliance comes when he has Sherrin in his grasp.

The quick utility player, who signed a four-year contract with St Kilda during the AFL Trade Period, had a career-best season last year playing on the wing for Fremantle. He will surely be a key component in Ross Lyon’s plans going forward.

Henry and Lyon had a brief period of overlap when the latter was still a member of the Dockers’ Next Generation Academy, but they quickly became close before Lyon moved to Cockburn and Henry was signed by the team.

Even at the Doig Medal that year, Lyon wore one of Henry’s Tied To Culture pieces, and with additional help from fellow ex-Docker Bradley Hill, he helped further establish his business.

While moving from Perth to Melbourne is undoubtedly a significant transition, Henry stated, “It’s definitely been good. I’m really excited to start my new journey at St Kilda.”

In the brief time I’ve been at St Kilda, I believe I’ve developed strong relationships with Ross and Brad, but I can’t wait to play for the red, white, and black.

When Henry eventually moves east in the upcoming weeks, he’ll be living with Hill, but he’ll soon be back with Lyon when preseason kicks off in late November.

“I’m excited to meet everyone, but obviously I have a great relationship with them two. Just to learn and expand my wings as an AFL player, I’m really excited to learn as much as I can from Hilly.

“He’s developed a great name for himself over the years he’s been in the system and I’m excited to try and sponge as much information as I can.”