A deflated Boston was left wondering if he had missed his shot at an AFL career less than twelve months ago after being overlooked at the AFL National Draft held at the Gold Coast Convention centre.
Handed a lifeline when he was taken by the Gold Coast during the Rookie Draft, Boston has made every post a winner during pre-season and through the determination and constant improvement he has made playing in the NEAFL under Coach Shaun Hart.
This weekend the recently elevated rookie gets his chance to shine on the big stage after being named in the Gold Coast SUNS 22-man team to play Adelaide at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
Boston told GoldCoastfc.com.au he could barely contain his excitement when given the news he would pull on the GC SUNS Guernsey for the first time as an AFL Premiership player this weekend.
“I’m pretty excited,”
“When I got told yesterday it didn’t hit me straight away but I’ve begun to realise that I am going to be playing AFL football this weekend, and so I’m really looking forward to the challenge.” Boston said.
It was senior coach Guy McKenna who broke the news to the former Broadbeach star, and Boston says it had all seemed like a prank at the time.
“I was just doing my gym work and he said – If you can jump this high you’ll be playing senior football,” Boston re-enacted.
“Then after I did it he said he was being serious, so he was playing around a little bit but it was good.”
Boston said his family had been overwhelmed by the news he would be making his debut match against last year’s top four finalists.
“When I first told Dad he couldn’t believe it,” he said.
“He was very excited for me and told the rest of the family and they’re very happy for me and looking forward to watching me play.”
Despite his near-perfect accuracy around goals and ability to find the ball inside, Boston says he’ll be willingly to play any role Guy McKenna sees fit for the U18 All-Australian.
“I basically just want to just go out there and contribute,” said Boston.
“Whether that’s kicking a goal or handballing a pass then that’s what I want to do.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge and running out alongside the team.”
