On the back of a strong 2013 campaign for Central Districts, Glenn elected to turn his back on an opportunity to be recruited by an AFL club by declining an invitation to attend the Draft Combine and taking his name out of the draft.
Now, less than one week into his career at Metricon Stadium, the 20-year-old admits feeling relieved after being selected by the SUNS. Hindsight is a wonderful thing in football, and at this point in time, his decision to allow himself another year to develop both as a player and a person has him well placed to get the most out of himself on the Gold Coast.
“I didn’t think I was quiet ready. I came into SANFL footy two years ago and I thought maybe the transition from amateur league to SANFL to AFL was a bit too much of a step,” Glenn told SUNS TV.
“I thought I’d give it another year at SANFL level and I guess it worked. I’m here now, but a lot of hard work to go.
“It was a tough decision, over months it took. In the end I thought I made the right decision. I didn’t think ready mentally so I had another crack the following year.”
With the average lifespan in the AFL system less than four years, and some no more than one season, Glenn’s brave decision may prove to be a wise choice down the track given the fact he admits his maturity wasn’t where it had to be to carve out a career in the AFL.
The South Australian revealed the greatest difference between his state league background and his first few days at the Gold Coast has been the contrast in training intensity.
“It’s been definitely different from what I was doing back in Adelaide the running’s a bit more intense, every drill is just flat out. The weights is a lot different, I wasn’t really do many weights back in Adelaide so it’s tough,” Glenn said.
Glenn is renowned for his polished disposal by foot and ability to make smart decisions under pressure, but it is his aerobic capacity that has stood out thus far in his short stint at the club.
In Monday’s 2km time trial, the utility finished inside the first five across the line to highlight his elite endurance - a trait that he admits will assist his transition to the highest level.
