Daniel ‘Ditti’ Venditti hasn’t always called Melbourne home, originally from Perth, Daniel moved to Melbourne three years ago and hasn’t looked back since, why look back when life for Daniel is so bright?
Working at Bunning’s as a Health and Safety advisor as well as juggling football is quite hard but when you love what you do, it makes it worth it. Whilst chatting with Daniel I quickly realized his dedication to both his work and his love for football.
As a 27 year old that is vice-captain of the club as well as part of the leadership group, Daniel is the epitome of a born leader. It really wouldn’t take any individual too long to conclude that Daniel really prides himself in producing his best work for both his occupation as well as football.
“I’ve always wanted to play football”
As a youngster Daniel initially started playing soccer before taking interest in football and realizing that football is where he wanted to be.
Daniel spent seven years playing in the Western Australia Football League (WAFL) for the Perth Demons before moving down and finding comfort at Coburg.
To be playing VFL football is an opportunity Daniel doesn’t take lightly and is extremely appreciative of the chances he’s been given with football
“To play this level of footy is really good, I’m rapt”.
Senior coach Peter German pushes each player extremely hard not just as individuals but also as a team, which I think contributes to Germo being highly respected by all the boys, including Daniel.
Re-signing with Coburg was a no brainer for Daniel considering the close relationships he’s formed with the boys as well as playing under the instructions of Germo.
As a supporter myself, I can speak on behalf of many people and conclude; not only is Daniel is a great mid-fielder who performs every week to the best of his abilities but also makes it exciting for the supporters to watch him deliver each game. Daniel focuses on three things going into each game; team involvement and efforts, to play out instructions and more importantly to always work hard.
Daniel was awarded the 2013 Jim Sullivan Best and Fairest last year, starting off the 2014 season strong may result in winning the Best and Fairest award two years in a row, through it all, Daniel has the same ambition “Hard work always pays off”
“We’re improving, we’re playing the way we want to play, the Coburg footy brand and it’s only going to get better”
Being the vice-captain as well as part of the leadership group is quite important as it allows Daniel to mentor the younger boys, provide support but also bonds the boys.
Becoming ‘brothers’ is inevitable when playing football, Daniel praises all the boys and is adamant about one factor in regards to Coburg, it feels like home. Like any ‘brotherhood’, the boys spend their downtime with one another at Sydney Road and Chapel Street and believe the relationships formed away from football make them a better team.
Daniel is known for the infamous beard he’s showcasing nowadays and laughs, “It’s staying for a little while”
“Discipline and dedication” were the exact words Daniel used to describe himself when asked about his best qualities, it really highlighted how fitting the role of vice-captain as well as the leadership role is for him; spoken like a true born leader.
Aicha Saad (Twitter: @aichazsaad)
Last Modified on 01/05/2014 18:37