What’s in a name? Ask Jonty

COLLINGWOOD fans – and many general AFL followers – would be familiar with the Scharenberg surname.

During the first round of the 2013 national draft, the Magpies selected a silky ball-user by the name of Matt Scharenberg – a memorable, easy surname that rolls off the tongue but is initially awkward to spell on paper.

Come November’s draft, a second Scharenberg is likely to enter the AFL system, potentially as early as the second round should he attract ample interest.

But when people are introduced to him for the first time, it’s Jonty Scharenberg’s Christian name that sparks just as much interest.

“It’s a little bit different, isn’t it? You can blame mum and dad for that one,” Scharenberg laughed.

“I get asked a fair bit where it’s from and people think it’s South African because of (cricketer) Jonty Rhodes but I think mum and dad just liked the name.”

For the record, Jonty is a name of Scottish heritage meaning “Little John”, while it’s often used to abbreviate Jonathan or Jonathon.

Should Scharenberg be drafted in November, he’ll become the first player with the Christian name Jonty to join a VFL/AFL club.