from this weeks VFL Football Record:
It’s only been in the last fortnight or so that Marc
Dragicevic has entertained any thoughts about next
month’s Victoria-Western Australia match.
Dragicevic knew there was a representative match,
but was oblivious to the fact AFL rookies were
available for selection.
Dragicevic, with 46 AFL games in an injury
interrupted fi ve-season span at Tigerland, is a rookie
this season and therefore available for selection.
It’s a prospect that holds plenty of appeal.
First, and foremost, Dragicevic can vividly recall what a
huge honour it was to represent his State in junior ranks.
Twice he represented Vic Country at under-16 level
and he also played in the under-18 national carnival.
It was the latter appearance that saw him collect All-
Australian honours and the attention of Richmond,
which drafted him as a 17-year-old.
“I loved it when I got the opportunity (to play
representative football) at junior level and obviously
they don’t do it at senior level in the AFL, which I
think is a little disappointing,” Dragicevic said.
“It’s a great honour. When I found out I would be
eligible I started thinking about donning the big V.”
While it would also boost his chances of being
re-drafted by an AFL club at the end of the season,
Dragicevic has learned it pays not to think too much
about things outside his control.
When Richmond delisted him, then rookie-listed
him at the end of last season, Dragicevic set himself a
series of goals for 2004, his last as a rookie before he
exceeds the age limit.
Dragicevic knows he will spend the whole season
with the Coburg Tigers, unless there are several
long-term injuries at Richmond. So 2004 is all about
consistency.
“It’s my goal to be consistent, not waiver in form and
drop below the level I know I can play,” he said.
“Everything else, including the possibility of
representing Victoria, would be a bonus. If you are
consistent, it’s going to help your team win more
games and that’s what I’m all about.”
For the fi rst time in a couple of seasons, Dragicevic’s
body is the best it’s ever been and he’s recovered after
two devastating knee reconstructions.
Dragicevic’s planned return to the AFL stage last
year just got going when it was aborted after another
injury. He’s noticed the difference an extra eight
months recovery has made.
He’s now able to get to more contests and as a result, is
regaining the touch that saw him regarded several years
ago as one of the most promising youngsters at Punt Road.
Dragicevic understands he could be on his last
chance to get back to the AFL and understands there’s
little point in looking into the crystal ball.
“All I can control is what I do on the fi eld. If that
is good enough to warrant selection later in the year,
that’s great,” he said.
“But if you worry about things outside your control
it can be counter-productive. All I really want to do is
play consistently well all year for Coburg and help the
team do well.”
It’s only been in the last fortnight or so that Marc
Dragicevic has entertained any thoughts about next
month’s Victoria-Western Australia match.
Dragicevic knew there was a representative match,
but was oblivious to the fact AFL rookies were
available for selection.
Dragicevic, with 46 AFL games in an injury
interrupted fi ve-season span at Tigerland, is a rookie
this season and therefore available for selection.
It’s a prospect that holds plenty of appeal.
First, and foremost, Dragicevic can vividly recall what a
huge honour it was to represent his State in junior ranks.
Twice he represented Vic Country at under-16 level
and he also played in the under-18 national carnival.
It was the latter appearance that saw him collect All-
Australian honours and the attention of Richmond,
which drafted him as a 17-year-old.
“I loved it when I got the opportunity (to play
representative football) at junior level and obviously
they don’t do it at senior level in the AFL, which I
think is a little disappointing,” Dragicevic said.
“It’s a great honour. When I found out I would be
eligible I started thinking about donning the big V.”
While it would also boost his chances of being
re-drafted by an AFL club at the end of the season,
Dragicevic has learned it pays not to think too much
about things outside his control.
When Richmond delisted him, then rookie-listed
him at the end of last season, Dragicevic set himself a
series of goals for 2004, his last as a rookie before he
exceeds the age limit.
Dragicevic knows he will spend the whole season
with the Coburg Tigers, unless there are several
long-term injuries at Richmond. So 2004 is all about
consistency.
“It’s my goal to be consistent, not waiver in form and
drop below the level I know I can play,” he said.
“Everything else, including the possibility of
representing Victoria, would be a bonus. If you are
consistent, it’s going to help your team win more
games and that’s what I’m all about.”
For the fi rst time in a couple of seasons, Dragicevic’s
body is the best it’s ever been and he’s recovered after
two devastating knee reconstructions.
Dragicevic’s planned return to the AFL stage last
year just got going when it was aborted after another
injury. He’s noticed the difference an extra eight
months recovery has made.
He’s now able to get to more contests and as a result, is
regaining the touch that saw him regarded several years
ago as one of the most promising youngsters at Punt Road.
Dragicevic understands he could be on his last
chance to get back to the AFL and understands there’s
little point in looking into the crystal ball.
“All I can control is what I do on the fi eld. If that
is good enough to warrant selection later in the year,
that’s great,” he said.
“But if you worry about things outside your control
it can be counter-productive. All I really want to do is
play consistently well all year for Coburg and help the
team do well.”
