FORMER Shepparton United player Michael Barlow has high sights in his first season at VFL level.
The Werribee Tigers recruit is gunning his way to the top of the pecking
order at Bartercard Oval through pace and determination.
"I'll try and play every game but realistically I'll probably look to
play 15 games out of the 20 and hopefully most of them towards the end of the
season. If I have to prove myself early so be it," Barlow said.
By round 12 I hope to be a regular senior player." It's a massive statement for a country footballer to make.
Last season, Tigers recruit Cameron Penny didn't break through to the
seniors until the last game of the season.
But Barlow has the credentials. The winger, oozing class and potential,
took out the Morrison Medal for the Goulburn Valley Football League's best and fairest last season.
He adds to a cluster of young guns who are looking to prove their worth to
the competition.
"Even though I'm only 20, I'm probably medium age. It's good because we're all trying to play the best footy we can. The next five or six years, we'll be a very good side
"I like to see VFL players playing in the seniors and it will help with Werribee being only partially aligned to the Kangaroos."
Barlow, of Kensington, moved to the city to study town planning at university. He trained with St Kilda last pre-season, giving him extra shoulder strength.
He is ready to shrug off the country boy tag and give the Tigers some versatility in the midfield. "I've steered clear of all injuries, so I've done all the time trials and everything and [I'm] rapt with it," he said.
by Brent Diamond of Werribee Banner
Last Modified on 27/03/2008 10:19