Flanders a top five contender
From p52
After deciding to move to Lowanna in Year 9, the down to earth country kid wasn’t playing football to make a career out of it, he was playing for the social side of the game. Instead, as a talented basketballer throughout his junior years, he was focusing more on the court than the field.
Despite his basketball focus, in 2017 Flanders had the chance to play a few games for Gippsland Power after impressing for his local side, Moe. He said this opportunity gave him the ability to see the difference in levels of competition.
“A few of us got a chance to play three to four games, it was good, especially since we came in and nobody knew who we were, so we managed to have a free run at it and play well. It was great to get a feel for the speed of the game, it’s really quick compared to the country football we’d played, it was a bit of a wake up,” he said.
After impressing in the limited opportunity, Flanders returned to Gippsland Power in 2018 and cemented himself in the side, but he was still battling between focusing on football or basketball, which led him to question himself during the season.
“I’m sure Browny (Leigh Brown) would agree, I was a bit on and off in 2018, honestly, I wouldn’t put in and I was going through the motions because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.
“There were some games where I played really well and thought it was great, but other games where I struggled, I would ask myself why I was playing.”
It wasn’t until the beginning of 2019, when Flanders sat down with talent manager Peter Francis, that he made a conscious decision about football. He was all in.
“I think this year was the turning point for me, I sat down with Pete and we worked out some goals for myself. I also stopped worrying about how I was playing, I used to try and be the best player every game, but I think that maturity came out and it took away that sense of having to be the best all the time.”
Flanders worked incredibly hard on his mindset and attitude toward his own game. He explained that coach Rhett McLennan and assistant coach Scott McDougall helped him develop a method that would feed into his newfound maturity as a player and leader at the Power.
“Rhett and Scotty were massive for me, we decided that it was best to try and aim for a seven out of 10 game each week, so occasionally you’d have a nine or 10, but your lowest would be a seven which was obviousity ly still pretty good. It was really just a mindset thing overall and they really helped with that.”
It led to a lift in consistency, which saw him average 22 disposals and boot 12 goals across the NAB league this season for Gippsland, and people were starting to notice.
Averaging 22 disposals for Vic Country during the National Championships as well, Flanders was starting to make some noise among AFL recruiters. His explosive power, size and ability to play both forward and midfield had scout’s salivating. Although, Flanders believes it was his play during the finals series that garnered the most attention.
“I think the recruiters wanted to see my explosive side more and during the finals I showed that. My last two games of the finals, one was just average I think, but my last one I was tagged pretty heavily and ended up being best on ground which I think got their attention,” he explained.
With attention comes scrutiny and Flanders has faced some in the recent months as scouts honed in on the explosive forward. During a pre combine meeting with a club he was grilled about his running abil(vice-president), and said it was a glimpse into what was coming, but also a big motivator in the testing that followed.
“It was sort of hard to hear about your weaknesses and people doubting that, it was a bit of an eye opener. It was then a personal thing to try and prove them wrong. I then ended up winning my groups yo-yo test with a 21.3, which I was stoked about. These guys had grilled me a couple of days before, so I wanted to show them something and I thought I did that.”
Throughout the ups and downs of the season though, he’s been able to move through it all alongside his great mate and teammate, Caleb Serong, who is also a highly touted pick in this upcoming draft. He said being able to chat to Caleb honestly and openly has been a huge positive.
“He’s really good Caleb, he can really have an honest conversation with you, if you ever need a bit of confidence, he was there to boost you up. All of us boys I think wish he could have played with us more this season.
“It was good to have a conversation with someone who knows your situation and can talk openly and freely with him, he understands it a little more as he’s dealing with the same stuff.”
Off the field, Flanders has leant on the support from a few teachers at Lowanna as well. Mike Santo and Alan Chandler have been alongside him, ready to help whenever he’s needed some advice, or someone to talk to.
“Those two have been massive in giving advice or needing someone to talk to outside of the football bubble, more of a personal level area of support for me which has been great to have along the way.”
With his future set to be decided when the AFL draft begins on November 27, Flanders said that it’s been interesting to see his name floated around in phantom drafts but also acknowledges nothing is certain.
“As much as you try and block it out, you can’t, mates tag you in things on Facebook and Instagram. Sometimes it’s nice to see your name, it gives you confidence, but I know you’re not drafted until you hear your name read out.”
After collecting Gippsland Power’s best and fairest a few weeks ago and impressing through every test that’s been thrown at him, Flanders is prepared and ready for what comes next, and what he might have to adjust to.
“I went to the osteo in the city with my sister the other day, and there was so much traffic, it took ages to get anywhere!” he laughed. “Moving away from family and friends will be different, as everyone here is so close, but I’m up for it and ready.”