By BRETT STUBBS
``I got a couple of pretty bad injuries from athletics and when I got back from rehabilitation I had lost the drive,'' Horton said yesterday.
``My old man had been a good footballer [in Western Australia] back in his day and had always been on my case to give it a go so I thought it is now or never.''
Now just two full seasons later he has been selected as the state's No. 1 ruckman.
``It has been unreal, I've had a lot of help from the guys up in Hobart with learning the game,'' the Health Department public servant said.
``I probably made a few of the dumb mistakes you pick up as you come through the ranks, so it was just developing the footy mindset that has been the biggest hurdle.''
At just 193cm, he is not going to monster the opposition but he more than makes up for it through his spring from his high jump background.
Other good news this week was the withdrawal of former All-Australian ruckman Jeff White from Queensland's side because of injury.
``Obviously he's been such a good player for such a long time I was a bit nervous but at the same time looking forward to the challenge,'' Horton said.
Horton said his instructions from Armstrong were to keep it simple.
``Basically we just want a contest at every bounce and boundary throw in. Back myself in and believe in myself, I haven't go there by chance,'' he said.
``I just couldn't believe it. I was so surprised to get even in the squad. I actually had planned on getting away for the weekend thinking I wouldn't have been in any sort of calculations so it was a pleasant surprise.''
Last Modified on 07/06/2009 09:37