AT the end of last season, Ben Britton felt his world had collapsed when he was axed from Burnie's NTFL grand final side against Devonport.
While the seniors celebrated their fourth premiership in a row, the 189cm Britton could take little solace from winning a reserves flag.
Happily, that was all behind him last night when he was chosen to make his VFL debut tomorrow for the Devils against the tall timber of Geelong at North Hobart.
"I'm stoked to be chosen for the Devils and it came as quite a surprise,'' the 22-year-old utility tall said yesterday. "It was pretty devastating to be dropped for that grand final for Burnie, but you've just got to cop it and try and bounce back.''
That the Queenstown-raised Britton did admirably, starring at centre half-forward to win the Royce Viney Medal for the best player on the ground.
It didn't go unnoticed and Britton was invited to do the pre-season with the Devils after Christmas.
"I'm lucky to have had some very experienced coaches to help me along the way since I first made the seniors here three years ago -- people like Mick McGuane, Nick Probert, Andrew Hering, Brad Davis and Errol Bourn,'' Britton said.
"My fitness and strength have improved since I started training with the Devils, but I've still got a way to go.''
He isn't over-awed by the possibility of getting up close to the Cats' star-in-the-making Nathan Ablett.
"I'm probably better known as a forward because marking is one of my strengths, but I've played back as well and don't mind who I get or where I play,'' said Britton, who works as a fitter and machinist.
In 2002 he kicked 75 goals en route to playing in two successive premiership teams.
Last Modified on 08/04/2005 13:05