FOLLOWING in the footsteps of North Melbourne leader Jack Ziebell late last year was invaluable for Launceston draft prospect Tarryn Thomas.
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The 16-year-old North Launceston midfielder will return to Arden Street on Sunday for a second view at professional football life as part of the North Melbourne Next Generation Academy.
“We trained with the boys, had meetings and met recruiters last time (in December),” Thomas said.
“It was real hard running, the boys are a bit bigger, real fit and the training is really high intensity.”
Thomas will be joined by Launceston-based Indigenous mates Tyran Mansell, 17, Rhyan Mansell, 16, and Leiwyn Jones, 15, on the three-day excursion.
Next week’s trip will see the players again join in on the Kangaroos’ pre-season training, set goals, undergo skill monitoring and chat with dietitians and sports psychologists.
AFL Tasmania Northern talent manager Adam Sanders said the experiences are priceless for the teenagers’ draft prospects and something Tasmanian footballers often miss out on.
“They (the players) don’t get the exposure we would like so the ability for our kids to see and breath, and be involved in it full on for those days is probably worth a whole year’s training at times,” he said.
“This opportunity for Tarryn, Tyran, Rhyan and Leiwyn is one they must assure they make the most of, to gain an insight into the life of a modern AFL footballer, both the fun and exciting aspects, but also the incredible demands.”
Tyran Mansell will be available for draft selection post this season, while Thomas is expected to be picked up at the end of 2018.
Sanders said all four lads train with the state academy in conjunction with the next generation initiative for boys and girls aged between 11-15. The players return home on Wednesday, January 25.
This opportunity for Tarryn, Tyran, Rhyan and Leiwyn is one they must assure they make the most of.
- Northern talent manager Adam Sanders