IT has been a big step up for former Mount Burr premiership player Henry Crauford.
Crauford headed up to Adelaide this year to play for the Norwood Football Club, with a regular SANFL Reserves spot in the ruck.
It was a big change for the Limestone Coast player, with the then 21 year old keen to make his mark.
He certainly did that, with a premiership flag and best and fairest honours for his club.
Crauford said the grand final, while not expected, was something he felt was well within reach, with Norwood setting the benchmark for the season.
“We were probably the best team all year so we thought we should win,” he said.
“It was more of a relief when we won.
“I did not play that well in the grand final, but it was good fun.”
While he may not – by his own admissions – have had a huge impact in the grand final, Crauford still picked up 11 possessions in the 19-point victory.
As for the best and fairest, he said that came as a real surprise.
“I did not expect that,” Crauford said.
“We have a heap of young talent so it was a bit of an honour to get that.”
Crauford talks about young talent, but only turned 22 this week.
His resume is probably as impressive as any young player, but in reality few could lay claim to his achievements.
He played junior football for North Gambier, before going away to boarding school.
When he returned to the South East at 18 years of age he began his senior football career.
He has now played senior football for just four years.
Three of those were with Mid South East powerhouse Mount Burr, which included two premiership flags.
He won a best and fairest at Mount Burr, plus runner-up in the league medal count.
He then moved up to Norwood and claimed another premiership, plus the best and fairest club honours.
It is an achievement certainly not lost on the young ruckman.
“Some people do not get to play in one grand final in their lives, so to play in four is pretty special,” Crauford said.
“Every time you think about that you laugh and think it is a bit ridiculous.
“It has been a lot of hard work and I have been lucky enough to be involved with some talented groups.
“Even the boys back in Mount Burr, they were clearly a talented group to be as good as they have for the last decade.
“Then to move up here and play with such a talented group has been good.”
As far as talent goes, Crauford certainly earned his stripes in his rookie season at Norwood, with and average of close to 16 disposals a game from 19 appearances, 10 goals, more than three marks, close to four tackles and five clearances.
Crauford said he did not take a lot of notice of the statistics, but felt he had a good year.
His value to Norwood was reflected in the club award.
Crauford said it was a big step up to play at the Reserves level, with plenty of hard work along the way, but said once it all clicked, he enjoyed the challenge.
“There is always hard work involved, but when you are out with a group of fellows and you enjoy their company, which I have every year, it is a bit easier,” he said.
“This year was a big step up with more training and gym, but if it is something you enjoy doing you do not mind.”
To cap off his season Crauford has been invited to attend the SA Draft Combine, with players voted on from several clubs to make the cut.
It provides AFL teams the chance to assess young players to see if there is a chance they may fit into their roster.
While it is always a dream for young football stars to step up to the top level, Crauford said he would take it as it comes.
“I had not really thought about it much,” he said of the AFL option.
“While I have played well in the reserves, I have not played in league.
“Then this came up and it is pretty exciting.
“But I am happy where I am and it is challenging.
“If it does not work out I am still pretty happy because I still have a few things I want to achieve here.”
