MIDFIELDER Brody Mahoney’s commitment to training in the summer definitely got him noticed in North Ballarat Roosters’ camp.
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Based in Colac, there were days when Mahoney’s work as a labourer would mean early starts for jobs in Warrnambool, then a two-hour trek to Eureka Stadium, where he trained hard.
Mahoney’s continued dedication will be rewarded with a Victorian Football League debut against Williamstown on Saturday.
Selkirk Roosters coach Gerard FitzGerald said Mahoney’s story was a great tale of what the VFL could offer.
Mahoney has spent the past two years as a strong contributor for Hampden club Cobden after an injury-riddled stint with Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup under-18s.
He represented the Hampden Football League in last year’s AFL Victorian country championships.
Cobden got on the phone to the Roosters and encouraged Mahoney to test his game at the next step.
“All that driving and those long days before training ... to me it was a sign he genuinely wanted it,” FitzGerald said.
“This is a good example of a chance this state league can offer a late developer, who would not get looked at maybe by an AFL club but he can still take aim to play at the highest possible level.”
Mahoney will be introduced under the VFL’s 23rd man rule for TAC Cup and first-year players.
He will be a mature body option for the Roosters in the midfield, where they are also set to bring back reigning best and fairest player Nick Peters for his first game this season.
Peters has returned from a working holiday overseas physically fit, but will play on limited game time as he works to rebuild his match fitness.
The Roosters premiership player stepped back on the field for Geelong and District club Bannockburn last week.
Roosters forward Matt Austin, who has been promoted as co-captain with Myles Sewell, will play his first VFL game this season.
FitzGerald has been impressed with Austin’s discipline and diligence in working back from a shoulder injury via Sebastopol in the Victorian Football League.