THE name Damon Aspland wouldn't have meant much to Lexton Plains Football League followers 12 months ago.
The former Redan under-18 player had just completed a move to Carngham-Linton, but was finding it hard to break into the senior side, spending the first eight matches in the reserves.
But after being named in the best on all eight of those occasions, Aspland finally broke his way into the senior side.
Once there, Aspland continued to impress, keeping his spot for the rest of the season and playing in the Saints' grand final loss to Skipton.
Eight rounds into the 2010 season, the 20-year-old has been one of the standouts of the competition, impressing interleague selectors enough to be named in the LPFL forward line for today's clash with Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League.
"I was pretty surprised to get picked because when I went to training and looked around the group, they're all pretty good players," Aspland said.
While he is not one of the headline forwards that includes Joel Riske, captain Kiernan Molloy, Tim Beacham and Tom Mullane-Grant - which have booted 124 goals between them this season - Aspland is hoping to make the most of his opportunities.
"Lately I've been chucked in the middle (with Carngham-Linton) and swapping on the half-forward flank. I like it up there because you can run off your opponent a lot," he said.
"If the ball drops to the ground (today) I'll try my best to get it, but I doubt it will with all those players up there."
Whatever the result of today's clash at Maryborough's Princes Park, Aspland won't go home empty handed.
"I am very excited, especially with all the free stuff you get," Aspland said.
Article: Tim O'Oconnor - Ballarat Courier
Last Modified on 15/06/2010 21:46