Collingwood’s Sam Dwyer is another mature-age recruit having an impact on the AFL. Playing his second AFL game, after coming on as a sub in Round One, Dwyer had 23 possessions in the Pies’ narrow win over Carlton. We caught up with him in January at the AFL Player’s Induction Camp where he told us his goal was to play senior football. It Might be time to reset those goals. Read the story below.
New Collingwood rookie Sam Dwyer believes arriving in the AFL system via the VFL pathway as a mature aged recruit gives him an “added advantage” in adjusting to the demands of AFL football.
“I suppose after have eight years at Port Melbourne it gives you a good base and a good understanding of the level you have to step up to make it,” Dwyer said.
The 26-year-old was drafted by the Magpies at Pick 28 in the rookie draft after another strong season at VFL level. Speaking at the AFL Players’ Association/AFL Induction Camp Dwyer said understanding everything else that makes up the job of an AFL football has been an “eye-opener”.
“It certainly does, obviously there has been a lot of information to take in but it has been a great day to learn those things in terms of finances and responsibilities as an AFL player,” he said.
“The highlight has been learning about all the support from the PA and what is available to you. Any sort of need that you have got there is someone you can ring or you can meet up with and get some advice or get some help,” Dwyer said.
On day-one of the induction camp Dwyer has listened to sessions on managing setbacks and developing a career off the field. Having been rejected in eight previous drafts and having established a career as an electrician it is fair to say he is already well versed in both of those areas.
Dwyer is grateful to be able to dedicate himself full-time to football but still wishes to maintain a career outside of football.
“I might have a month or two off work to get used to the training loads at Collingwood and then once I settle in I would like to continue doing one day a week or however much I can,” he said.
“Obviously with working and training part time it is limited how many hours you can put into your football. Now you have got a greater opportunity to put the hours in and improve and get fitter and get stronger and you have a lot more resources there.”
Dwyer was one of nine players drafted from the VFL across the national and rookie drafts and he said it is credit to the strength of the VFL competition.
“It’s good for the VFL and it gives great hope to the kids who miss out at TAC Cup level and wish to pursue that VFL career and know that the door is still open to make that next step,” he said.
Dwyer said the biggest differences between VFL and AFL level he had noticed so far was the amount of recovery, the training intensity and the quality of the facilities. He has recovered from a broken fibula he carried into the VFL grand final loss to Geelong and is aiming to have have an impact in his first year.
“My goals are to play senior football, and to have fun and enjoy myself. Get to know what it takes a bit more and get a bit more experience and hopefully get a crack in the seniors and have a successful year.”