Article courtesy of Liverpool City Champion
BY PAUL HAIGH
ZACH Russell is the Moorebank Magpies AFL first grade team’s X-Factor in more ways than one.
The 23-year-old joined the club from Rockhampton this season and the winger has been an instant hit in the team, says coach Mark Coles.
Off the field, Russell is also well known for his musical talents as a singer in the band
The Collective, which shot to stardom on Channel Seven’s The X-Factor.
Russell and his four other band members earned themselves a recording contract with Sony Music by appearing on The X-Factor.
Coles said Russell just appeared out of the blue during the preseason.
‘‘He came down to Rosedale Oval and told us about his AFL background, so we gave him a
trial,’’ Coles said.
‘‘He’s living at Chipping Norton and he’s fitted in well. We might even get him to help to sing our team song.’’
Russell said he has played AFL for many years since he was a junior and loves the game.
‘‘My dad, Greg, coached me for a few years at Rockhampton,’’ Russell said.
‘‘I always enjoyed playing AFL back home, but I probably didn’t have the motivation to try and become a professional athlete.’’
The 173-centimetre tall player said he was enjoying playing in the environment at the Magpies and loves living in the Liverpool area.
The team are glad they took a punt.
‘‘Zach hadn’t played for a couple of years, but he’s done well so far this season,’’ Coles said.
‘‘He is a very quiet and polite young bloke.’’
Last Modified on 28/05/2013 16:22
