MOUNT Gambier football fans will have one name to watch out for this year, as Brad Close looks to make an impression at powerhouse AFL club Geelong.
The 21 year old was selected by the Cats at pick four at the rookie draft and has just started to get used to rubbing shoulders with iconic names such as Gary Ablett Jr and Patrick Dangerfield.
At first, Close said it was an overwhelming experience, but after four weeks of intense pre-season training, he now feels comfortable at the “Cattery”.
“It was pretty full on and crazy to begin with,” he said.
“There is always something going on with pretty solid training most days of the week.
“But now coming back after the Christmas break I am a bit more settled and it has started to feel a lot more real.”
Despite pushing his body to the limits, Close enjoys the hard work.
“We train about three times a week and go in the gym straight after, so they are pretty long days,” he said.
“It is pretty taxing on the body and you feel sore during the week, but it is good.
“I am starting to get into the rhythm and routine of daily training.”
Although it took a bit of time to acclimatise, Close actually expected it to be the case.
He has plenty of experience of professional football after two seasons with Glenelg at SANFL level.
In 2018 Close made the big move from Mount Gambier to Adelaide after several years developing his game at North Gambier Football Club.
Despite having high hopes, his first season with the Tigers was interrupted by injury.
After playing five games in six weeks since his debut, Close suffered a medial ligament tear in his knee, which put him on the sidelines for the next eight games.
Eventually he forced his way back into the team and played the final two games of the year.
In the following year, Close was a stronger player with a full pre-season under his belt.
He kept his place in the starting 18 for the opening round of the 2019 season and did not look back.
A number of strong games saw him become a key member of the Glenelg side, which grew into a premiership contender.
Close produced his finest performance against Norwood in round 13, with 25 disposals and a four-goal haul.
It was around this point his hard work caught the attention of Geelong recruiters and they gave him a simple message and asked him if he wanted to achieve his dream.
“I had a meeting with them midway through the year and they said if I had a good finals series at Glenelg, things could work out,” Close said.
“My manager kept in contact with them, so it was just a matter of if they had the picks and it all sort of lined up.”
Close continued his good form with a solid finals campaign and finished off his breakout season in style by playing a key-role in Glenelg’s first premiership in 33 years.
After further contact with the Cats, Close knew he was in contention for a coveted AFL call up.
However, when he discovered he had achieved his lifelong ambition, the South East talent was thankful the wait was over.
“I was at home and obviously the rookie draft is not televised, so it came through on the internet and I saw my name pop up,” he said.
“I thought if I was to go anywhere it would be Geelong, so it was not a shock that I went there.
“But it was more of a relief that it actually happened and I was on my way there.”
Close believed his time honing his skills under coaches throughout his career had been pivotal behind his success.
He also said testing himself against quality players at SANFL level was crucial to giving him the belief to grow as a player.
“I have definitely had a good pathway coming through,” Close said.
“At North, I was lucky enough to play under a couple of good senior coaches in Justin McConnell and Winis Imbi, who were key for my development as a young fella,” Close said.
“Then being under Mark Stone at Glenelg – who was in the AFL environment for about 15 years – brought a lot of stuff.
“Playing against AFL talent was good for me and something I can use moving over here.”
At the SANFL, Close gained a reputation as a classy, team-first player.
He also developed fierce running and tackling abilities to take down opponents around the half-forward line.
Close believes these attributes are his greatest strengths, which he will use to impress new coach Chris Scott.
“My capacity and ability to run is something I will try and use to my advantage,” he said.
“I also like to think that if the coach gives me a job to do, I will do it and be a team-first player.”
While many men his age are still studying at university, Close is living the dream on an AFL list alongside some of the greatest names of the game.
He now has the chance to learn invaluable lessons from the likes of Joel Selwood, Ablett and Dangerfield.
After managing to settle in, Close said the stars are more than happy to share their knowledge.
“It was a bit strange at first to look up and mix in with these guys, but you have to take it that you are one of them now and try to make the most of it,” he said.
“We are all mixed in now, so it is good to get amongst the senior players and coaches.
“Any little tips you can get off the senior players like Patty or Joel is always helpful.”
Having joined a loaded side, which has reached finals in 12 of the last 13 seasons, Close understands his current position with the Cats.
He will focus on steadily building his game to be in good shape before the season begins, with an eye on a potential debut in a VFL or pre-season clash.
“My first goal is just making sure I am fit and ready for our first game of the year,” Close said.
“For starters it is just about personal progression and working on my skills to make sure that is at 100pc.
“I will try and make my way into the VFL side and be ready if there is a chance to play in the pre-season game.
“Hopefully I can make the most of an opportunity if I do get one.”
