Tyrone Downie is an intriguing story, particularly in our game. At the age of 26, the Bendigo product packed up his life and headed north after being placed on the rookie list at the Gold Coast SUNS in early December. There were no guarantees of playing league football – not that there ever is – but an opportunity to chaperone young talent in the NEAFL and demonstrate his prowess presented itself.
The mature-aged rookie is not a new philosophy; it has been part of a ‘Moneyball’ style list management strategy for the best part of a decade. But unlike the majority of cases in the AFL, the sharp shooter from the now defunct Bendigo Gold in the VFL was lured to Carrara to provide the reserves with experience and leadership.
Two key ingredients that have previously fallen off the kitchen bench when the season turns for the worst in the middle of the winter. Not that winter up here is anywhere near as unbearable as back in country Victoria.
But, given Downie’s age and at a time in his life where the majority of his demographic are entrenched in the early stages of their career pathway, the decision to join an AFL club on a one-year contract and on a basis of assisting the reserves may not have been too enticing to everyone.
Despite entering an elite environment a lot later than most, at a time more common in American sports, Downie has rapidly risen up the ranks inside the four walls of Metricon Stadium. The man renowned for his finishing close to the sticks has got on top of issues with his body to enter the discussion for senior selection.
“I guess why I was recruited to the club was really for leadership in the NEAFL, hopefully play some good footy and guide the younger guys coming up,” Downie told SUNS TV.
“Obviously my aim’s to play AFL footy and I’ve been hopefully putting my hand up. If I can play consistent footy then maybe I’ll get the opportunity later in the year.
“Some people it would probably be a tough decision but I always knew that I wanted to have a crack at AFL footy and this is the opportunity I’ve been given.
“I’m really enjoying my time up here, loving the challenge. But no expectations of playing the game, but I just want to put my best foot forward.
“Some kids are 18 years old and they’re probably not ready for an AFL program. I probably would have been one of them at 18. So now to get the opportunity I think, physically and probably mentally, I’m ready for that challenge.”
After being recruited as a hit-up small forward in the Mark LeCras mould, Downie has been forced to push into the midfield of the NEAFL team during the last month due to the injury epidemic at the SUNS. And despite thoroughly enjoying hitting the scoreboard, the former playing coach at Kangaroo Flat in the Bendigo Football League has produced a scintillating month of football in the engine room.
Since moving into the middle in round nine against NT Thunder, Downie has averaged 25.7 possessions, 6.5 clearances and 6.8 inside 50s per game. For a man who was unable to complete much of a pre-season at all due to arthritis in his knee that has troubled him for almost his entire career, the numbers are particularly impressive.
“I guess with the injuries to the AFL side, and then a few players have stepped up from the NEAFL team to play AFL, it sort of left a bit of a hole there,” Downie said.
“It’s been good, I probably took a few weeks, I played forward getting back from injury and then once my fitness got up I’ve been able to get into the midfield. I’ve enjoyed being able to chase the footy and get my hands on it.
“I had that opportunity when I had a few issues with my knee to get myself right. But since then I’ve been injury free and my bodies feeling good and I’m getting through week-to-week pretty well.”
At the close of 2014, one major focus area of the football department was narrowing the gap in the NEAFL. On a weekly basis, the reserves were getting blown off the park, with Josh Fraser’s side failing to register a win for the entire campaign and losses regularly heading north of three figures.
When a side loses so comprehensively, and on such a consistent basis, the value of developing talent in the lower level diminished considerably. As does the value of providing players with a platform to put there best step forward and earn a senior game.
Changes were made via the rookie draft, with list manager Scott Clayton raiding state leagues across the country to provide some depth and maturity to a list that typically consists of a handful of academy kids in their mid-to-late teens. Downie came in, as did Keegan Brooksby and Josh Glenn from South Australia, Andrew Raines from Brisbane and Adam Saad from Coburg in the VFL. All four have played senior football, with the latter pair regular fixtures.
The biggest challenge the reserves still face is the enormous changes in personnel on a weekly basis. Just a few weeks ago, there were 15 changes. That is not a mistake. But despite the revolving door, the NEAFL side has taken significant steps forward this season according to Downie.
“It’s hard with the change of list every week – academy kids some weeks and Southport boys as well. You’re just sort of working with a different group sometimes,” Downie said.
“But I think this year, compared to last year, I think we’ve really developed and really played as a group much better and definitely seen some progress from round one to round twelve.”
Time will tell how fruitful Downie’s odyssey in southern Queensland is. But after overcoming a frustrating start, Bendigo’s favourite son is ensuring he leaves nothing to chance during his time at the AFL’s 17th franchise.
Unfortunately sentiment doesn’t exist in football, but if he continues to acquire leather like he has in the last month, he may well force the selectors hands by year’s end.
