FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT PLAYER and Carlton College of Sport student Angus Grant has made leaps and bounds in his football career this year.

Since joining the Football Development Program in March, Grant has progressed from training at his local football club to training with the Carlton Reserves team and being invited to play with the Sandringham Dragons Football Club in the NAB League.

The hard work that Grant put into developing his football skills through the Football Development Program has paid off, being named as one of the five players on the VAFA 2021 Mecwacare Men’s Rising Star Shortlist. Grant was also named in the Herald Sun Victorian metro leagues’ 100 Players Under 21 list.

Making his debut at senior level in Round 1, Grant played every game for the season with 18 goals under his belt. His standout performance came in Round 12 after he kicked eight goals against the Preston Bullants for a BOG performance.

Representatives from his club, Old Mentonians, had only the best to say about his performance this year.

‘Angus has the flexibility to play multiple roles; ruck, key back, key forward and wing. He has impressed everyone with his courage, competitiveness, skills and footy smarts.’

The decision to join the Carlton College of Sport Football Development Program came easily to Grant, saying his goals were to become a better football player, develop his skills and progress his football career.

‘Since I started in the program my kicking skills have improved and I’ve gained a better understanding of the game,’ Grant said.

‘The program has helped me to become more a utility for my club. I’ve been playing in different positions and develop my skills by doing a couple more trainings at Carlton during the week.’

Carlton College Football Development Coach Torin Baker commented on his progression throughout the program.

‘Angus has worked really hard this year in the Footy Development Program at Carlton College. He is dedicated, commits to doing the extra’s and has an appetite to learn. He got the opportunity to train with the Carlton VFL team before being selected for Sandringham Dragons, however the season stopped due to a COVID outbreak on the week he was selected.

He has had a number of strong performances playing in the seniors this year with Old Mentonians,’ Baker said.

The effort and dedication that he demonstrated in the Football Development Program opened the door for Grant to train with the Carlton Reserves side.

‘Training with the Carlton Reserves was a bit intimidating at first, but all of the boys made me feel really comfortable. The sessions have really helped with the speed of my game. Once you get into the higher levels of footy like the VFL, the speed of the game really increases,’ he said.

Stay tuned! The winner of the 2021 Mecwacare Men’s Rising Star Award will be announced in late September.

Interested in joining the Football Development Program? Applications are now open for 2022.