Ex-Shark learning from best at Roos
TOM Wilkinson helped guide Southport to a NEAFL premiership as a high-flying pressure forward but he says it’s his work at ground level that will pave the way for a potential AFL debut.
Wilkinson is in the middle of his first year in an AFL system after being selected with pick 41 of last year’s rookie draft.
It followed a season where he became one of the most influential players in a Sharks side that won their first flag in a decade.
The 23-year-old’s season has been scuppered by an ankle injury but it has done little to impact his development after being given the mentoring and resources at the highest level with the Kangaroos.
“I’m loving it. You have so many people supporting you in every part of the game, be it your mental or physical health,” Wilkinson said as he prepares to return to Queensland this weekend with North Melbourne and watch his former side take on Canberra at Fankhauser Reserve.
“The best resources to have around are the players. Watching some of the leaders on the track like Sean Higgins and Ben Cunnington, watching them and how they go about their business is very admirable. It’s such a professional environment and really good to be part of.”
Wilkinson said he had to adjust his own game to fit the Roos system, focusing on adding new strengths that could help him reach the top level.
“At NEAFL level the recruiters from North were pleased with my forward-half pressure and ability to hit the scoreboard so I was focusing on everything other than that,” Wilkinson said.
“It’s been more about my defensive running, transition and getting up the ground. I have had to adjust my game a little bit going from that highflying marking sort of player to more of a crumbing player.”