Footy is one of the most difficult sports to make a breakthrough. There are thousands of talented youngsters across the country looking to be drafted by one of the AFL’s 18 (soon to be 19) clubs. Therefore, any talented player looking to break into the game’s biggest stage should be constantly working on their game and how they can take it to the next level!
One of the best ways to do this is to look towards your footy heroes. Who do you admire most in the game? Generally, your heroes will play the same (or a similar) position to your own, so they are the perfect people to look towards when working on your own game. Perhaps you have their level of talent but could emulate their kicking style?
Or, perhaps you’re known for your vision, but could look towards your favourite midfielder who is also renowned for finding teammates with ease.
Whatever your position – and whatever your ambition – head to an AFL store and grab some merchandise because here are a few reasons why you should look towards your footy heroes for inspiration:
1.They have mastered their craft
Even the most talented youngsters have areas of their game that could use improvement. For example, you might be a full-back who can handle the tallest and toughest full-forwards, but can you find a teammate when you clear the ball from the goal square? After all, there is not too much point in taking a goal-saving mark over your full-forward opposition if you’re just going to give the ball right back to the opposition!
Therefore, take a look at your favourite full-back and how they find their teammates whether in or outside of the opposition 50. There is a certain knack to finding teammates and keeping possession before resorting to the long bomb out of the 50. Your footy full-back heroes have got the knack and that’s why they’re in the AFL.
As such, take notes when watching their next match and apply those notes to your training sessions and, consequently, your matches!
2.They are the perfect source of inspiration
These players have spent years mastering their particular positions and how they (usually) help their teams towards victory. They are your ultimate source of playing inspiration. Whether you’re down at the G on a Saturday arvo or watching from home you can take inspiration from their playing style.
This inspiration will help you optimise your own game whilst developing the elements that you think could use some improvement. There are plenty of aspects to every AFL position and watching your heroes cover each of them is one of the best ways to inspire your own game to new heights!
3.You can develop on the skills they have
Through watching your favourite players take on the opposition you can learn how they out-manouvre their opponents. They may have elements to their game that you would like to emulate. Or, they may have elements of their game that you would like to take to the next level.
Because, after all, not all players are the same, and your favourite midfielder may have elements of their game that are different to yours. But this doesn’t mean you can’t develop on their skills and make them your own. So, be sure to watch your heroes in action – knowing their playing style can go a long way to helping you take yours to the next level!
