After getting a taste of being part of the Sydney Swans Academy, New England Nomads junior Morgan Dunn is eager for more.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Dunn and fellow AFL North West junior Lachie Martin earned a trial with the under-17 Swans Academy team on Saturday in a clash with the Greater Western Sydney Giants Academy.
The Swans team was beaten by GWS 12.7-79 to 6.4-40 but Dunn and Martin relished in playing alongside the sport's rising stars.
Dunn described the moment he received the Swans jersey as "surreal" and the talent was "fast and physical."
RELATED:
"Talent was amazingly good. A big step up from any other footy I've played," he said.
"It was amazing to play a such a high level.
"The coaching staff were good to work with and the players welcomed me into the team."
The North West pair didn't have much time to work out the Swans' game plan in the lead up to the clash.
Dunn admitted it was a bit difficult to find his feet to start with but as the game progressed, he settled into it and found his rhythm.
"I was nervous to start with," he said.
"I was placed in the back pocket which is not my desired spot.
"When I got to play in the mid-field which is where I like to play I felt my game really came together.
"I did find it difficult not knowing the names of the other players.
"I believe I could have got a lot more touches of the ball if I could have yelled out their names just at that right moment."
Dunn has spent much of this year's North West AFL season playing in the senior competition where he has faced seasoned players.
He also spends an hour every day for four days a week doing his own gym work and fitness training, as well as travelling to Armidale from their Yarrowitch property to train with the Nomads once a week.
The physicality of the senior competition prepared him for the Swans trial and the Academy coaches noted his toughness on the field.
"They liked the physical side of my game," Dunn said.
"I delivered a few decent tackles and got a couple of handy bumps in and they liked that.
"They would like me to condition my skills more.
"The ball came off the side of my boot a couple of times and didn't hit the target. I need to improve that."
Dunn and Martin are waiting to hear back on the results from the trial.
If given the opportunity to further his career in the sport, Dunn said he would take it with both hands.
"It certainly would be great to be in the Academy side," he said.
"I believe I would learn so much more.
"The coaches have so much to offer especially about correct field position and movement.
"But if that's not the case I am totally enjoying playing senior footy with the Nomads.
"I feel I've found my spot there this year."
While Dunn certainly puts the work in on and off-the-field, he acknowledged the people who have given him the opportunities to try and reach his goals.
"I wish to thank the Swans Academy for giving me a go, it was great," he said.
"I also would like to thank the senior Nomads for giving me the opportunity to play the first four games in the AFL North West comp.
"I feel this gave me some match fitness and confidence before heading to Sydney."