Murtha a poster boy for movement towards Australian rules
HE may have only started playing Aussie rules last year, but Daniel Murtha is on the path to success.
The 15-year-old Thuringowa Bulldogs’ ruckman had been part of the rugby faithful until he sought another outlet to play sport with his mates.
From that first touch of the Sherrin he had found his true passion, and has since gone on to be a member of the Destination 2022 scouting pathway.
The dream to pull on a Gold Coast Suns jersey has only just been born in him, but the candle to make it to the big time has been lit and is burning strongly.
“I liked how focused you have to be while you’re playing, and the way it is played compared to other sports in Townsville,” Murtha said.
“It’s the people and the discipline in the sport as well, with a good club here like the Bulldogs in their 50th year it’s really special.
“In three years’ time they’ll be scouting us when we’re 18 and ready to get drafted. I definitely have aspirations to make it (in the AFL), I think it’ll be really good for the club as well back home.”
The introduction of the Gold Coast Suns academy has enabled the sport in Townsville to reach new heights. In the past year the Suns have appointed a North Queensland co-ordinator, which according to Auskick Kid squad member Reiley Guest has established a professional standard and pathway that was not there 10 years ago.
Guest, who also coaches juniors at Thuringowa, said Murtha was a prime example of how the sport could resonate with youngsters quickly.
Guest praised the towering athlete’s dedication to both the club and the game.
“We have a lot more players joining at that 12-13-year-old age group coming in and just getting keen to play a sport with their mates,” he said.