Draftee Brayden Crossley admits that he was thrown into the deep end back in 2016, but couldn’t be more grateful for the experiences that it provided.
As a 16-year old in just his second NEAFL game, the ruckman came up against GWS’ Dawson Simpson – who is listed at 210cm and 109kg.
It was a match up that saw Crossley walk away with a rising star nomination after racking up 21 disposals and 17 hitouts.
“I got thrown into the deep end pretty much from the start of my NEAFL career, up against the Giants reserves when I was up against Dawson Simpson” Crossley told members at an exclusive Meet the Recruits event on Thursday.
“To play against the Giants four or five times in my first year, that was unreal because you are learning every game.”
Crossley’s time in the SUNS Academy has provided him with development opportunities beyond his imagination, and it’s clear how thankful he is to key figures in the program, particularly Academy Head Coach Andrew Raines.
It’s a pathway that is starting to become more common across the SUNS’ list, with the local product following in the footsteps of Jesse Joyce, Jack Bowes and Brad Scheer.
“Rainsey has really helped me the past two years of my development, not only on-field but also off-field as well.
“Things like making sure I’m eating right, being as professional as I can and really helping me out as a person.”
Academy training and NEAFL games have combined to give Crossley somewhat of a head-start compared to others in his draft class.
With the knowledge that he was viewed as an undersized ruckman – even standing at 199cm – he has worked hard during 2017 to improve his skills as a forward.
“This year, forward craft was a big thing of mine and I got to kick a few goals which I was happy about.
“Learning all those patterns, it was unreal learning against all those bigger backmen in the NEAFL as well.”
Crossley hopes the hard work of the past few years, plus his first pre-season as an AFL listed player, have him ready to go should an opportunity arise in season 2018.
