GEELONG rookie Brad Close is confident a stint at senior level in the SANFL, including this year’s Glenelg premiership win, will hold him in good stead as he starts his AFL journey.
Taken with the Cats’ only live pick in last week’s Rookie Draft, the Mt Gambier product played 21 games and kicked 13 goals as the Tigers claimed their first flag in 33 years.
“I feel like that’s something I can use to my advantage and something I’ve been comfortable with the last few years and even growing up as a 15, 16-year-old playing senior football back in the country,” Close said.
The 21-year-old came into the frame to be drafted in 2018 but was overlooked.
However, he wasn’t too concerned at not finding an AFL home.
“I didn’t think much of it, and then this year it became a bit more serious, a few more meetings and heading to the state combine where you have got the recruiters there watching,” Close said.
“I have always been pretty committed to my footy. So I just looked at it becoming the best I could over the last few years and just working on my game to see how far I could go.
“I don’t think I had expectations or anything; I just kept working at it. It’s something that I love, so it wasn’t hard to be committed to football for me.”
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Close hopes his versatility will help thurst his name in front of AFL selectors.
“I liked to think I can play in a fair few positions, which I have done at Glenelg is the last few years,” he said.
“So I’m someone that’s a team player, can play a role when asked.
“I’m not sure what role I have ahead, but whatever is given, I will have a crack at it.
Twitter: @tom_king79
