Originally published by Matthew Lodge (@MatthewSLodge) as 'Blues land their own Recruit' at www.northernbluesfc.com.au
The Northern Blues have overnight signed participant of the Fox 8 AFL reality TV show, The Recruit and Manly-Warringah Giants captain, Tyrone Armitage.
Armitage – the Northern Blues third signing of the 2015 pre-season – was a member of the popular Foxtel program aired earlier in the year, having made it to the final cut of 15 hopefuls who were a part of the show.
A convert from soccer in primary school, the 25-year-old’s career has taken off in the AFL Sydney competitions with Manly-Warringah following stints in the Sydney Swans Reserves and the opportunity to train with Geelong in 2010.
A decision to travel instead of pursue high-level football was ultimate the catalyst that saw Armitage nominate himself for The Recruit.
But while Armitage’s stint was short-lived – being the first to be ‘delisted’ from the show – it had little impact on Armitage’s 2014 campaign, captaining the Giants to back-to-back Sydney AFL premierships.
In 2013, he also added the Phelan Medal – the Sydney AFL best and fairest award – to his individual honours.
Northern Blues GM Garry O’Sullivan said Armitage’s acquisition was another major boost given his experience.
“We’re very excited to be able to get Ty and very happy that he’s agreed to terms,” O’Sullivan said.
“He’s a lively midfielder and half forward who loves to kick goals. His vision showed us he really takes his opportunities when he goes forward.
“Even though he’s 25, he’s very keen to see how far he can go and see where it can take him.”
VIDEO: Watch Ty's exit interview on The Recruit
While acknowledging the spotlight surrounding Armitage given his involvement on The Recruit, O’Sullivan said there was more significance in the Club being an attractive option for interstate footballers.
“We obviously saw him on the show, but first and foremost, we wanted him for his football talents,” O’Sullivan said.
“We think he’s going to be very good for our group both on and off the ground because of his experience as a captain of a football club and those traits.
“It’s not been by design, but we haven’t had too many (recruits) from interstate. But it is really good that these young guys are realising that the VFL is a fantastic competition and a great stepping-stone to fight their way through to that elite system.
“Obviously we’re excited that Ty believes that we can provide that pathway for him.”
Armitage will remain in Sydney to see out his work commitments back home at French’s Forest in Sydney’s northern suburbs before joining his teammates at Visy Park for the first session of 2015.
Last Modified on 04/12/2014 11:48
