WATCHING the development of TAC graduates is one of the more rewarding dynamics regardless of where their football takes them.
Congratulations to all nine TAC Cup graduates who lived out their dream by debuting in the opening round of the AFL 2010 season.
Some players like Tom Scully, Dustin Martin and Andrew Moore, the first, third and ninth selections from last year’s AFL National Draft, made an immediate transition from TAC to AFL.
Others like Oakleigh Charger teammates Luke Shuey and James Strauss, selected in the 2008 AFL National Draft, endured a frustrating, injury-riddled start, but rebounded to debut in this year’s AFL season opener.
And, then there are players like Jarrod Kayler-Thomson, a member of Geelong Falcons team in 2003, who debuted for Hawthorn last week.
Kayler-Thomson played at Mansfield and more recently Perth before being taken by Hawthorn as a rookie and then upgraded to the senior list.
All above mentioned players clearly highlight just how different the pathway is to the AFL.
Some have had to deal with the disappointment of injury, many have served an ‘apprenticeship’ in various country, metropolitan and State Leagues and some have had to travel far and wide to gain recognition.
But each journey of the above-mentioned group is underpinned a common link – the indisputable role played by the TAC in preparing players.
There is no wrong or right starting point. Football throws up innumerable variables and tests a player’s mettle. Persistence, patience and self-belief must be three non-negotiable qualities for all players.
While players with a single-digit draft selection number next to their names always carry an added burden, more so when they’re thrust into the immediate glare of teams in a rebuilding phase.
They don’t enjoy the luxury of a gradual, less intense introduction. They’re expected to perform from the first game and are often unfairly judged because of that.
As the season unfolds many, many more TAC Cup players will join Messrs Scully, Martin and Moore in playing AFL for the first time.
Like the hundreds before them, their progress will be monitored with much interest.
We welcome this week all the young players from Greater Western Sydney who play their first TAC match against Northern Knights.
Undoubtedly, playing in the TAC Cup will fast track their development.
Just like Gold Coast last year, the chance to travel, prepare and play interstate is a valuable learning experience.
Certainly, such an opportunity can only add to a player’s development and provide a further insight into the life of an AFL footballer.
Last Modified on 07/04/2010 16:20