This rings especially true following news of bottom-age talent Ned Byrne making the step up to play his first VFL game at the weekend, trialling with Greater Western Sydney in a 26-point defeat to Williamstown.
The Bears product, who has played three games at Murray Bushrangers level as well in 2024, received the call-up as one of five squad changes for the Giants, who sought to keep their hopes of a wild card finals berth alive.
The 184cm midfielder certainly impressed in a season-ending defeat for GWS, delivering 2.2 from his 11 disposals alongside three marks and two tackles on a big step up.
It was doubtless some valuable experience for the youngster, sharing a locker room with established AFL names the likes of Nick Haynes and foundation Giant Adam Kennedy — not to mention fellow Goulburn Valley League native Nic Quigg of Seymour.
Wrapping up his thoughts after getting that state-league sample, Byrne was grateful for the opportunity and experience.
“The boys were all really good and the coaches were good giving me feedback during the game,” Byrne said.
“The pace of the game is a massive step up from what I’m used to, but I was pretty happy; I really enjoyed the day and it was a great experience overall.
“Those guys (Haynes and Kennedy) were really good at helping me out with it all and they got around me.
“It was just enjoyable all around.”
As has been the subject of plenty of discussion already throughout the year, it’s quite the production line emerging out of Shepparton.
By that token, Byrne had a few people to give credit for the development that allowed him to get noticed by the Giants.
“I’m pretty good mates with the Whitlock boys, who are going really well. I do a lot of training with them,” Byrne said.
“Ted (Lindon) and Xavier (Stevenson) have been really good to me and it’s a credit to the club as they’ve been huge in supporting me.
“I’ll keep putting my best foot forward with my footy and hopefully, wherever I’m playing, I’ll just get to play good football.
“The Bears are going pretty well at the moment, so it’s hard to say where I’ll go the rest of the year, but I’ll just keep working hard and see what happens.”
