OZGUR Uysal is a young Turk whose love of the game is unshackled. It’s been that way since he was a kid in short pants.
It helped that his father Kevin is an unabashed fan who continues to support his son.
While his father can be a hard marker when he under performs, Uysal, 20, is appreciative not only of his father’s support, but for nurturing his interest.
“My Dad hasn’t missed a game of mine since Under 10s. It’s been great,” Uysal said.
"My father played footy and he got me into it at Roxburgh Park Under 10s.
“I’ve always been watching footy with my Dad for as long as I can remember. I love it.”
After his time with Roxburgh Park, Uysal played with Greenvale and it was there that he attracted the attention of Calder Cannons recruiters.
It was while Uysal was at the Cannons that he gained his first opportunity to play for Coburg. He played two games in 2010 and two games in 2011.
Over the past two seasons, Uysal has added a further seven games.
Last year he kicked four goals and was best-on-ground in Coburg Tigers’ AFL Victoria Development League Grand Final triumph over Box Hill Hawks.
It was the second premiership he’d savored. In 2010 he played in the Cannons’ TAC Cup premiership, alongside the likes of Mitch Wallis, Cameron Guthrie, Dion Prestia, Tom Liberatore and Taylor Hine as his teammates.
Season 2013 has been interrupted by a torn ankle ligaments, which kept him out for four weeks.
It’s been a source of annoyance more than anything else. “I just want to get back out there,” he said.
Last Modified on 11/07/2013 15:30