DARLEY star Nathan Jackel could be out of action for at least another month as he puts his football skills to the test on reality television.
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Yet to player this year, the classy speedster might not play until at least round seven of the Ballarat Football League season, as he takes part in Foxtel television program The Recruit.
Devils president Grant Wright said the club was virtually at the mercy of the program, in that Jackel could be able to play next week or still be unavailable for another month.
The Recruit is a 10-part television series in which amateur footballers compete for the opportunity to be drafted to an AFL club.
It is filming and is due to be broadcast later this year.
Since Jackel is bound by a confidentiality clause, it is not known when he will return to Darley Park for match day or how he fares in the reality show.
Wright said it was disappointing from the senior side's point of view that Jackel would be unavailable, but said the explosive midfielder was still encouraged by the club to take part in the program.
"It's disappointing not to have him, but at the same time we would never stand in the way of anyone who wants to have a shot at something like this," Wright said.
"Hopefully, he comes back better for the experience."
Jackel burst onto the BFL scene in a big way last year, named in the Devils' best in a staggering 13 games out of a possible 18.
In just his second year of senior football, he also finished equal third in the Henderson Medal, with a total of 18 votes, despite teammate Jake Edwards taking out the top honour with 21 votes.
Known for his trademark speed and ability to break the lines and bust open packs, Jackel also won Darley's best and fairest award last year.
patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au