SOMETIMES self belief can be the best driver.
Last season Jackson Sketcher queried his ability to play at the TAC Cup level and that was despite playing virtually the entire season for Sandringham Dragons.
While Sketcher’s average numbers for possessions, tackles, marks, etc., were more than satisfactory for a bottom age player, doubts still swirled in his mind.
Fast forward to this season and those question marks have vanished. Sketcher’s average disposals have soared from 10 to 25, his marks have risen from two to five and tackles have jumped from to seven.
Asked what has propelled his 2010 season, Sketcher, appointed Dragons’ co-captain this season, replied: “Determination and attitude.
“This time last year I didn’t think I was up to the standard,” Sketcher revealed.
“’Taps’ (Dragons coach Dale Tapping) gave me a lot of confidence, lot of self belief. He gave me ground time, opportunities and really encouraged me.”
Tapping said Sketcher had come to terms with his football much better this season and much of that was launched with a solid pre-season.
Sketcher acknowledged that he worked much harder this pre-season. He said he didn’t want to second guess himself at the end of his TAC Cup career.
“Last year, I reckon I was about 80 percent, but this season I’m giving it 100 percent. I don’t want to look back and have any excuses,” he said.
While making the Metro squad was discussed during pre-season between player and coach, not everything hinged on it. So, when he wasn’t included in the squad, he didn’t go into free fall.
Sketcher noted that teammate Jack Frost had not been included in the squad and it had not stopped him playing very good, consistent football.
“I’m just going to continue to work hard and do the things that I’ve been doing. It’s not the end of the world,” Sketcher said.
Tapping added that he pointed out to all the Dragons players that didn’t make the Metro squad there were plenty of examples of players who didn’t play in the national championships, but still had successful seasons and came under the notice of AFL clubs.
“Jackson is not in the Metro squad, but he’s playing super football, his improvement has been enormous,” Tapping said.
“He’s really taken on added responsibilities, he’s improved his fitness, his maturity as a young man, the example he sets to his teammates at training and on game day.
“Last season he played 15 games as a bottom age player. He played in a variety of roles – back flank, wing, half forward, off the bench. He’s very coachable.”
And, Jackson Sketcher knows that he’s very much at home in the TAC.
Last Modified on 31/05/2010 13:09