Welcome to the AFL
If new recruit, Tom Vandeleur didn’t know what it took to be an AFL player, he does now
Vandeleur took part in the 3km time trial on Monday morning at Tompkins Park with the majority of the playing squad.
The training squad split into two groups for the 3km trial, with all six new recruits in the lead group.
This was when the 194cm defender realised the step up from WAFL to AFL level.
“It’s unbelievable how fast they go, especially the first lap,” Vandeleur said.
“You think that they wouldn’t be able to hold that speed, but they definitely do.”
During the warm-up, captain Matthew Pavlich walked over and introduced himself to Vandeleur.
“He came over and said hi, I’m Matthew Pavlich,” Vandeleur said.
“Obviously he didn’t really need to, I already knew who he was.
“It was a little overwhelming because five minutes later I was on a track training with him.”
Vandeleur played with WAFL team South Fremantle in 2013, but an injury to his left ankle kept him on the sidelines for two months.
He returned to football just in time to play in their reserves grand final loss to West Perth in September 2013.
“Loosing that grand final was tough, but that’s behind me,” he said.
“Being drafted to Fremantle means everything to me, all I have ever wanted to do is play football.”
“I’m just over the moon to be here.”