COHUNA Kangas recruit Ben Archard is reaping the rewards after a dominant season in Darwin earnt him a spot on Essendon’s Covid top up list.
The former local has returned to the Kangas after a successful stint playing for Melton in the Ballarat Football League where he won two club best and fairests, as well as leading the side to a grand final.
Archard has also been playing in the Northern Territory Football League for the Darwin Buffaloes over the past five years, and his latest season was his best yet, including selection in the NTFL representative team.
Archard said the opportunity at Essendon came as surprise.
“It was pretty exciting, it all happened pretty quick,” he said.
“I had just finished my season up in Darwin and I played 16 or so games up there and it was probably my best year personally.”
“When I got back, I got a call from one of the recruiters and the basically into the club to train on Wednesday.
“I then played a VFL practice match on the Friday, and I signed after that practice match.”
After playing VFL eight years ago, Archard hadn’t thought of returning to the league and was pretty happy playing country footy.
However after focusing on his fitness a lot more during the last season in Darwin, the opportunity at Essendon arose.
“I was in Darwin on a fulltime basis after previously flying in and out,” he said.
“But I stayed up there this year and really focused on my fitness and getting in the gym.”
“That paid dividends on my football, and I ended up playing my best season up there.”
“I copped some attention from Essendon, and I jumped at the opportunity.”
Archard has been down at Essendon training for the past three weeks.
“Obviously coming off that season in Darwin playing in very humid and hot conditions each week as well as training has got my fitness to a level where I am mixing it with the fittest of the club,” he said.
“The facilities and the people that are around the club, the strength and conditioning and the physios – it is an elite environment.
“They’ll give you every chance to get to the level you need to be at.”
All AFL clubs have got 20 players on a Covid top up list, as the league tries to work around the continuing Covid implications and to avoid postponing matches like what has happened in previous seasons.
AFL football manager Brad Scott recently told AFL.com.au, that this was the latest measure that was put in place to help the competition complete the season.
“Over the last two seasons the AFL has put measures in place to best protect the competition, our clubs, players and umpires.” Scott said.
“While the ongoing pandemic will continue to challenge us, we remain committed to completing the season for supporters in a way that prioritises the health and safety of the wider community.”
Archard will be a back-up for the Bombers ruck stocks that is currently led by young gun Sam Draper and also features Andrew Phillips and Nick Bryan.
“They have the three there at the moment who are healthy and playing footy,” Archard said.
“So I just need to bide my time firstly for a chance in the VFL.
“Then anything can happen from there.”
