Caleb Serong wins AFL Academy selection

Warragul footballer Caleb Serong is closer to achieving his dream of being drafted to an AFL club following selection in the AFL academy level one group.

Along with Gippsland Power teammate Sam Flanders, Caleb forms part of some of Australia’s top talent that is eligible for the 2019 AFL draft.

With AFL clubs identifying a need to develop tall talent, the squad also includes a development list of eight key position prospects.

Following an induction in October, the level one group will come together for its first camp in Melbourne in December.

While last year’s Academy level one squad travelled to New Zealand to take on a New Zealand open team the day prior to Anzac Day, details around arrangements for this year’s intake are yet to be finalised.

Caleb said while he was excited about selection in the Academy, his immediate focus was on finals football with Gippsland Power.

The Academy selection caps a big season of highs and lows for the Warragul footballer, with his season starting with what has arguably been the biggest challenge of his football career.

Just seven weeks out from the opening match of the under 16 National Championships against Victoria Metro at Punt Rd, Caleb broke his collarbone in a Gippsland League match and the championships looked a long way off.

Taking the best case option, Caleb had surgery to bring the recovery down from 12 weeks to seven.

With round one of the championships the aim, Caleb was diligent in his rehabilitation to give himself every chance to play in the championships.

While he could complete some fitness work along the way, Caleb went into match week with the challenge of not having any touch activity in the lead up to the carnival. Tackling and bumping had been prohibited until two days before the carnival.

Caleb achieved his aim of taking an opportunity in Gippsland Power’s TAC Cup side as an under 16 player, and strong form has seen him take it with both hands.