BOUNCING BACK FROM DARK PLACES
PROUD father Matt McCartin says his son, Tom, endured some dark days before finding an AFL home at Sydney in Friday night’s national draft.
The 192cm forward, who doesn’t turn 18 until December 30, will be leaving his family home in Belmont for the sunny beaches of Bondi, along with fellow Geelong Falcon Matt Ling.
It was at pick 33 — just three before Geelong’s selection at pick 36 — when McCartin’s name was read out.
The close-knit family were watching at home, and over the moon that McCartin’s dream would be realised.
“Really, Geelong and Sydney were probably the clubs that had shown the most interest in him the last couple of months,” Mr McCartin said.
“You couldn’t be unhappy with either of those, but you never know (where he’ll go), do you? We’re rapt for him. He’s a resilient kid and he’ll do well up there.”
Resilience is something McCartin has needed to develop over the last 24 months after an injury-riddled 2016 ruled out his under-17 year.
After contemplating surgery on a problematic hip last year, even travelling to Tasmania for specialist advice from arthroscopic surgeon Michael Pritchard, McCartin eventually found a breakthrough when he was led to St Kilda doctor Tim Barbour through his brother Paddy’s links at the Saints.
From that point, the Falcons were blown away by McCartin’s high workrate off a limited base this season, at times covering more ground in matches than some midfielders.
Mr McCartin said his son struggled mentally more than anything, before making a spot his own in the Falcons’ 22 this season.
“When you’ve got kids, you know their character and he’s a real competitive bugger,” he said.
“He battled for a few months there when he was injured and wasn’t able to play there and he got in some dark places — this is the truth — and he was able to fight his way out of it and contributed this year,” he said.
“He was able to play in finals and the grand final and felt a part of it and got the bug for footy.”
But Mr McCartin admitted that he and wife Jo would miss their youngest son, who was a real family kid.
“We’re excited, but it’s a bit daunting as well because he’s our baby and he’s going interstate, so it’s going to be a big adjustment for everyone,” he said.
“I think Patty has been a great resource for Tommy the last couple of weeks, just to bounce things off and the pressure leading up to the draft.
“Really, Tom’s only an hour from Avalon so it’s going to be a big adjustment for everyone but he’ll be fine.”