Turnbull's in it for the long haul at Goannas

The member of Belconnen's 200-game club is on a ten-game contract, but plans to play more than that quota without asking for additional compensation as MCUE shoots for a first flag since 1993.

The 32-year-old is one of a handful of Canberra recruits at the club and won a premiership in the capital in 2009, but estimates he's lost "eight or nine" grand finals along the way.

He began life in the Riverina League in fine fashion in last week's big win over the Tigers, dominating in the midfield and also contributing three goals, and will line up for his first home game against Griffith on Saturday.

"Personally I'm on that (ten day) contract, but I'm just going to play as many games as I can really," Turnbull said.

"I enjoy playing and I'm going away for two weeks (later in the season), but aside from that I'll play wherever I can.

"They (MCUE) are very passionate and give a good vibe, you really want to help them achieve as well.

"It's not just about coming across and playing for the money, you actually want to be part of the team and have success."

Turnbull has spent the past six years or so as a half-back flanker and possesses plenty of speed, but will mostly fill an inside midfielder role this year.

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He played under Goannas coach Jeremy Rowe at Belconnen and moved to MCUE when former Magpies teammate Chris York made the jump, before his season ended with a broken leg in a trial game.

"It (round one) was good fun and it was basically what I hoped it would be like. It was exciting playing in front of a crowd and getting a win," he said.

"Being a new guy it was hard to know what to expect, having never been in the comp before. But I think we thought we recruited well and we trusted in each other.

"Rowey's got his game plans he sticks to and he's a very well-spoken person. He knows what he wants and how he wants to do it. I became mates with him outside of footy when he was coach there (Belconnen), so it was an easy decision."

Turnbull said he's keen to get an extended run in the engine room.

"The last six or seven years I've been a half-back at Belconnen," he said.

"I wanted to have a crack in the midfield and he (Rowe) gave me a rotation forward and I was lucky enough to sneak a couple of goals.

"I thought our pressure around the ball (was good). If we didn't win the first contest we wouldn't let them have any easy footy.

"The pressure was probably the main thing and the ball movement was pretty good. Having short options and getting end-to-end was done very well.

"The first home game this week will be exciting to see what it's like."

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