Fraser’s sights on AFL
SOUTHPORT NEAFL player Fraser Thurlow is confident he could match it with any ruckman in the AFL if given a second shot at the top level.
It comes after AFL legend Paul Roos put the Sharks big man on the radar of recruits while talking on Fox Footy’s On The Couch program, stating Thurlow was the type of ruckman that could solve Geelong’s issues in the position.
“The type of ruckman (Geelong) need is a banger, a big body,” Roos said.
“They don’t need a ruckman that is going to run around and kick goals – other teams probably do.
“Geelong just need a big banging ruckman that is going to bang in, neutralise and bring the ball to ground and allow Dangerfield and Selwood access to the footy.”
Asked if he knew of any available, Roos said: “I’ve seen this kid called Fraser Thurlow who plays for Southport.”
The 200cm Thurlow spent a season on Essendon’s list in 2014 before playing in the SANFL for a season with Woodville-West Torrens.
He returned to Southport, where he played under-age football, in 2016.
Thurlow, 25, said he had only improved from his stint at the Bombers and would be ready should he get another crack at the AFL.
“It’s nice to get some recognition of a great of the game,” Thurlow said.
“I feel like I’m playing good football. I feel I have been playing some really good football the last few years. As a ruckman, each year you get older you get bigger and stronger.
“I have improved my game and if you put me on any ruckman in the AFL I’d be confident I’d be able to compete against them.”
Roos, whose son Tyler plays with the Sharks NEAFL side, became a fan of Thurlow after watching him get the better of Aspley ruckman Jake Spencer – a player he believes should still be in the AFL despite being delisted by Melbourne at the end of 2017 after seven years at the club – in a practise game.
The AFL premiership coach also saw Thurlow play during Southport’s loss to Sydney University last weekend.
Thurlow said he believed his AFL career was over after being delisted by Essendon.
He has since completed a bachelor of exercise science and is weeks away from finishing his masters in strength and conditioning endurance.
Thurlow, who works parttime as a strength and conditioning coach with Southport, said he was on the cusp of going into full-time work, meaning any interest from AFL clubs has to be followed by solid offers in order to lure him back to the top league.