Lions Schache with excitement
Seymour product Josh Schache has faced plenty of critics over his short AFL career, but he’s always had the backing of his hometown.
That love and support will be there again tomorrow when the 24-year-old runs out for the Western Bulldogs in the grand final against Melbourne.
“I’m rapt for him. It’s going to be very special for the club and town on Saturday,” Seymour’s senior coach Ben Davey said.
“The entire community and footy club has been really supportive of Josh for his entire career.”
The number two draft pick is playing with an abundance of confidence and is coming off a sublime performance in the Dogs’ preliminary final victory.
Davey, who coached Schache at the Murray Bushrangers, said he was over the moon to see his former pupil excelling in the AFL ranks after a tough start to his career.
“I had a lot to do with Josh when I was an assistant coach at the Bushies,” he said.
“I would drive him to training each week and even sat on the table with him when he got drafted.
“Josh has had a tough journey to get to this stage, but to see him performing so well, I’m just really happy for him.
“People can be very critical of players, like Josh, who get drafted inside the top-10. Especially in Josh’s case being a 200cm tall, those keyposition players take a longer time to develop. Everyone develops at different stages, not everyone is a Sam Walsh and ready to play.
“But now he’s starting to get belief that he does belong and that he can perform at the highest level and it’s great to see.”
Schache said earlier this week he appreciated the support from everyone back home.
Although the talented tall will have the backing from the Lions faithful, his old mentor will have his allegiances torn on game day.
Not only did Davey coach Melbourne star and Mooroopna product Clayton Oliver in the same year at the Bushrangers, but he is also a Dees supporter.
Yet to witness his beloved AFL side win a premiership, Davey said no matter which club came out on top, he would still be smiling from his lounge room.
“I wish we weren’t coming up against the Dogs, but I’ll still be happy to see either team win,” Davey said. “I’m very excited for both Josh and Clayton to get their chance to play in a grand final, I’m really happy for the two of them.”