RETAINING his place in a talent-laden Port Melbourne team, not gaining selection for the VFL in a representative match, was at the forefront of Billy Burstin’s mindset when season 2012 rolled around.
Burstin played in Port Melbourne’s premiership team, but he’d only played 13 games in his first three seasons with the Borough after graduating from TAC Cup club Oakleigh Chargers.
He knew the State match against Tasmania was scheduled, but not in his wildest dreams did he think he would be in contention to pull on the Big V.
“It’s a massive honour and I certainly will look forward to it if I get selected,” Burstin said.
“It wasn’t in my sights at all. I was concentrating on getting a regular ones game, get a bit of the footy and cement my spot for the year.
“Playing for the VFL was never on my radar.”
Burstin lived up to his name when he exploded into action when recalled for the first final last September, after spending the previous four weeks in the reserves.
He kicked six goals in the three finals, including a miraculous goal in the third quarter of the Grand Final to set alight the Borough.
“I thought I was in okay form, but a couple of injuries brought me down when I was starting to get a regular game in the ones,” he said.
“I was in the twos for a little while, playing alright footy, but I was confident coming into the finals and it just clicked.
“When the pressure was on, I thought ‘I’ll just go for it, I’ve got nothing to lose’ and it all fell into place and the rest is history.”
Burstin attributed his successful start to the season – he’s in the top five on the goal kicking ladder - to the endless supply provided by the Borough midfield led by John Baird, Sam Dwyer, Chris Cain and, Shane Valenti.
“When those boys are driving into the forward 50 about 50 or 60 times a match it makes it easier for the forwards,” Burstin said.
“Myles Pitt and I have been given the added responsibility to play that lead-up, high forward and we’ve taken that on and it’s working for us.”
Coach Gary Ayres said Burstin’s rapid improvement has been a credit to him.
“He was given the chance in the finals last year and that’s when he played his most consistent football,” Ayres said.
“None of us are going to forget that goal he kicked in the third quarter in the Grand Final.”
Ayres said Burstin had made further improvements this season and that was as a result of taking on board suggestions from the coaching staff.
He added that with the departure of Patrick Rose and Callum Sinclair, Burstin needed to step up to provide the club with a lively target.
“Billy has become an integral part of our attack along with Myles Pitt and Dean Galea. It’s a real credit to Bill that his efforts have been recognised by the VFL.”
Last Modified on 24/05/2012 21:59