VFL: Sewell ends SANFL speculation with new contract

NORTH Ballarat premiership midfielder Myles Sewell has confirmed he will play with the Roosters in 2011.Sewell has signed a one-year deal with the club, ending growing speculation he might join SANFL ranks.The 22-year-old had been touted as a big chance to join an AFL list this year but was overlooked in the rookie draft by Greater Western Sydney, which instead chose Roosters’ teammate Steve Clifton as its number one pick.Sewell said his AFL dream was still alive and it was with the Roosters that he had the best chance to make that come true.“Fingers crossed – I’m still pretty young and am working to improve on things at the Roosters,” Sewell said.“It’s a pretty big honour to be back on board at the Roosters ... I didn’t ever see myself playing across in the SANFL. I’m happy in Melbourne – my life is all set up here.”Roosters’ coach Gerard FitzGerald said feedback from AFL recruiters was that they wanted to see more power in Sewell’s game. FitzGerald was thrilled Sewell had faith the Roosters could help him.“His window of opportunity to be drafted is not shut and we’re really pleased we can assist him,” FitzGerald said. “It highlights the respect and regard Myles has for the football club that he wants to commit and he is also held in high respect about the club.”Sewell, a triple premiership player with the Roosters, stepped up his game this year, building on a big 2009 in which he won the JJ?Liston Medal as the VFL’s best and fairest.He represented the state in the FitzGerald coached VFL interleague team match against the WAFL in May, showcasing his clean hands and read of play.Sewell also captured the Norm Goss Medal as best on ground in the Roosters’ third premiership against Northern Bullants at Etihad Stadium in September. Post-season, he led a club tour group on a trek along the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea.The key playmaker is also a North Ballarat Rebels’ best and fairest, a Roosters’ best and fairest and has been voted an important leader at the club by his teammates.Sewell said there were still plenty of challenges for him at Eureka Stadium especially after the loss of more key players, including captain Shaune “Spider” Moloney.“We’ve got some new young kids coming in and guys like Grant Bell will be looking to step up for a good year in the seniors and I think we’ll be about the mark again next season,” Sewell said.“I am looking forward to getting back out there for another season.”Sewell was relieved to have the official paperwork completed before Christmas and looked forward to resuming group training with his team-mates after the festive break.