ANTHONY Piva is a son of an Italian father and Samoan mother, born in Samoa, but a Melbournian since he was an infant.
It wasn’t until he was in Grade 5 that Piva ventured to a local football club in Melton South and began playing Australian Rules.
“It was just for fun,” he recalled.
“I didn’t know it was going to turn into something serious.”
Soon it became apparent to various coaching staff that Piva’s talent warranted inclusion in inter-league teams and then an invitation to play with TAC Cup club Western Jets.
For two seasons, Piva played under Steve Kretiuk in the Jets before moving to Avalon Airport Oval this season with VFL club Werribee Tigers.
“I was hoping to get picked up in the Draft. I made the Under 16 Victorian (Metro) team and played in that carnival, but that I got struck with injury,” Piva said.
“I’d play four or five games in a row then get hit with something. It kept stopping my progress.
“Werribee has given me a lifeline.”
Injuries may have restricted him to four Development League games, but it hasn’t limited his enthusiasm.
While a broken nose followed hamstring problems at the start of the season, Piva remains upbeat and positive about his first season in the Peter Jackson VFL.
Piva loves the vibe, camaraderie and atmosphere around the club. He loved his time at the Jets, but his time at Werribee has lifted his passion for the game to a new level.
“It’s more of a family feel about it,” Piva said.
As Piva’s progression through the junior ranks grew, so, too did the interest of his parents.
“My dad was a bigger soccer guy and mum was more into rugby, but because I wanted to play footy they began following,” Piva said.
“Now, they are just as crazy as I am about it.”
For Piva to be playing what he describes as “the national game” is something not lost on him.
“It’s big. No one in my family has played Aussie Rules before,” Piva said.
“For me to be the first one is big and to go to a club like Werribee where there are different races and religions and everyone gets treated the same is also big.
“No matter where you are from, no matter who you are, everyone gets treated the same. It doesn’t matter if you are the best player or a junior player like me coming through.
“Werribee puts an emphasis on that, it’s great.”
Photo: Arj Giese
Last Modified on 11/07/2013 10:21