THE grim reality of being cast aside by the Suns continually slaps Alik Magin's face now that he has his first "real" job.
Delisted by the Suns last October, the Pomona export works as a concreter while playing for the Bendigo Gold in the VFL.
But after being named this year's VFL Coaches Player of the Year, the 22-year-old midfielder is optimistic he soon will be able to ditch the shovel and return to the comforting embrace of an AFL team structure.
Magin (pictured) will meet his manager Ryan Kogelman this week to discuss his options.
"He (Kogelman) seems pretty positive, but I've just got to do everything I can from now and hopefully I'll get the opportunity," said the ex-Noosa District State School student.
"You never know. I don't want to get too confident, otherwise I'll be too disappointed if nothing comes up.
"I've just got to stay positive and hopefully I did do enough."
Magin played eight games for the Suns in 2011-12 and spent four seasons in total at the expansion club after joining it straight from high school.
While understandably "hurt" when first cut, he quickly focused on his planned redemption.
He said his banishment motivated him to become a better player, with his form this season even more meritorious given Bendigo was winless.
"I just had to do everything this year to give myself the best opportunity for next year," he said.
"I couldn't really dwell on getting delisted, otherwise I might not get back to where I am now.
"If I do get another chance, I wouldn't take anything for granted and I'd do everything I possibly can to stay there for a long time."
He is the younger brother of ex-Bomber Rhys Magin and the son of AFL Queensland Hall of Fame member Bill Magin.
Article written by Mark Bode for the Sunshine Coast Daily.
http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/alik-to-cement-afl-gig/2016753/
Last Modified on 09/12/2013 14:29