OFF the field Jacob Molkentin is a pretty relaxed character, but come Saturday afternoons when he pulls on a Bathurst Giants singlet, the talented teenager transforms into an intense and focused footballer.
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It is a reason why Molkentin has earned plenty of praise from Giants coach Mark Kennedy for his performances in the 2020 AFL Central West season.
Whatever role Kennedy has given Molkentin - and that has changed not only each week but at times quarter by quarter - he has gotten the job done.
"I've enjoyed mixing it up a bit, although at the end of the day it's just about doing your job, so it doesn't really faze me too much," Molkentin said.
"I'm just enjoying this season and getting out there with a good group of boys."
While he is currently balancing his HSC trials with training and playing for the Giants in the top tier senior men's competition, it is not something which worries the 18-year-old.
"I'm pretty casual as is, I do enjoy getting out and playing but I haven't found it too bad really," he said.
An Albury native who jokes he was 'born into' Australian rules, Molkentin has plenty of experience despite his young age.
"I've played footy since I was probably five, so I've been around for awhile," he said.
During his time playing junior football, Molkentin not only impressed on a club level but caught the attention of those involved with the game at a higher level.
In 2017 he was part of the Greater Western Sydney Giants Academy and also a member of the Central West development squad.
The following season, while still playing under 17s, Molkentin made his senior debut for the Giants.
It came in the round two loss against the Orange Tigers, but the following week he was back again and enjoyed a 12-point win over the Bushrangers Outlaws.
Molkentin got more senior caps as the 2018 season unfolded, but it was last year he really cemented his spot as a regular in the team.
He has continued to build on that this season and while the Giants have not done it easy - they've won one of their five games - Molkentin is enjoying his football.
This Saturday the challenge is trying to upset second-placed Dubbo Demons. The Giants went down by 19 points to them at Dubbo in round two and Molkentin feels the key to getting closer this time is sustained effort.
"You just want to play your best for as long as you can, sustain it throughout the game. For me it's not too big of a deal who you play and where, it's just about getting the best out of the team and yourself," he said.
"While we haven't really got the rewards win-wise, we are still hungry to keep playing good footy, developing our skills and cohesion as a team as well.
"The mood is still pretty good, I'm finding it good playing with everyone, especially with a lot of the new guys."
Opening bounce against Dubbo at George Park 1 is 2.30pm Saturday.
