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“Relieved and excited” is how Stewart Crameri described his feelings after learning of his selection on Essendon’s 2010 Rookie List.
The AFL’s Rookie Draft is directed at young, developing, players and rookie list status provides the opportunity for them to be elevated to an AFL club’s senior team during the season if a senior player suffers a long-term injury, or retires.
Stewart, who has played mostly as an attacking defender and midfielder during his three seasons with the Bendigo Bombers, said that missing rookie list selection for the 2009 season had made him determined to work harder on every facet of his game.
“I put a lot of effort into all my training routines including concentration, skill development and execution on the ground, disposing of the ball properly and overall game improvement” he said.
“In addition, I gave much more emphasis to matters such as my diet and making sure my lifestyle outside footy supported what I was trying to achieve on the ground.”
“Since pre-season commenced, I’ve been training with the Bendigo Bombers group at Essendon and there’s a lot of work on full ground drills, conditioning and fitness especially running, and skills which is where I think my hard work is really starting to show through.”
“Because I’m training under the eyes of the senior coaching staff and the selectors, if I can continue to do well then I’ll give myself the best possible chance of being selected in the senior team during 2010.
Commenting on Stewart’s selection, Bendigo Bombers Senior Coach Shannon Grant said that rookie list selection was a reward for the efforts he had made to gain a place on Essendon’s playing list.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for him. He’s training well which is really going to help with what he’ll be required to do as part of Essendon’s senior group” Shannon said.
“He’s worked hard to achieve selection and if he continues to do well then he’ll give himself every chance of making the grade and playing at AFL level.”
Stewart, who originally played junior and senior football in Maryborough before coming to the Bendigo Bombers, gave a lot of the credit for his success to the support he has received from his parents Bernie and Mandy, his brother Joseph and his sister Anna.
“They’ve all been terrific and Mum, who’s a passionate Essendon supporter, was so excited when I was selected. I just can’t thank them enough because they’ve all supported me in every way” Stewart said.
Needless to say, his family are thrilled at his selection and at the possibility of Stewart playing with Essendon during the 2010 season.
“We’re terribly excited for Stewart because achieving selection is something that’s taken quite a long time and he’s gone through the whole process of local senior footy, then playing VFL and, ultimately, hoping to gain a place on Essendon’s list” Bernie explained.
“Waiting for the rookie draft has been a pretty nervous time, but he’s worked hard and he’s certainly got more to offer.”
“Stewart has continued to mature in the past twelve months and that’s been demonstrated in the determined way he’s approached his training routines, how he’s prepared for home and away matches and also off the field by concentrating on his diet and other aspects of being a VFL player.”
“We’ve all been in the background to support him in different ways by attending matches, assisting with training routines if necessary, by constantly providing encouragement and by providing a normal home environment.”
“Mandy has been fantastic and balanced our household menu around the food necessary to support his dietary regime because that’s essential for any player who’s participating at VFL level.”
“Stewart followed a basic philosophy of getting the little things right and taking care of the details because, as we emphasised to him, if he did so then success would follow, which it has done and we are delighted that he’s got the opportunity he’s worked so hard for.”
Reflecting on his career to date, Stewart was quick to thank former Bendigo Bombers Football Manager, Steve Thomson, who had coached him at senior and junior level in Maryborough and the club’s former senior coach, Adrian Hickmott for their constant support.
“Steve was very supportive during my time in Maryborough and from the time I came to Bendigo and Adrian persisted with drills which assisted me to develop my skills.”
“They both played a big part in my footy career and in achieving selection and I’m very grateful to them.”
“Right now, though, I can’t wait for the 2010 season to start, because I’m always looking for ways to improve and I’m determined to make the most of my chance to play AFL football with Essendon.”
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