DENILIQUIN footballer Kyle Galloway was right at home among the kids of Forest Hill Public School on Tuesday as he kicked back and forth with the students.
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The 207 centimetre ruckman has only been on Sydney’s list for a couple of months but as far as role models go, his story was one of inspiration for kids from the bush.
Galloway had never played Australian rules until the age of 16 but in the space of four seasons, quickly found himself on an AFL list.
The 19-year-old genuinely loved every minute of his AFL Community Camp visit across the Riverina that finished on Tuesday afternoon.
"I love coming back and seeing all the kids, making them smile and having a kick with them, it’s great fun,” Galloway said.
“I think I enjoyed it a bit more (than them), it’s good though, good to give back to the kids.
“It’s good that you have actually got somewhere in life so it’s good to be an inspiration to the kids.”
Galloway had two years of football in Deniliquin, before he was put through the pathways with Murray Bushrangers and NSW-ACT Rams.
He knows exactly how hard it can be to make it.
“It’s a lot of hard work and a lot of dedication,” he said.
“A big thanks to Mum because when I played Bushies, I drove four hours each training session so Mum did a fair bit.”
It may have been tough but Galloway said it has been worth it.
“I’m loving it,” he said.
“I got the call on Wednesday, moved Thursday and had my first training on the Friday so it was bang, bang, bang.
“To do something you love and get paid for it, it’s the best thing to do.”
By contrast, promising Sydney forward James Rose moved from South Australia to join the Swans and has spent just over 14 months on the list.
He too has had to overcome adversities as his first six months in Sydney proved difficult.
“It was a pretty slow start, I had a bit of homesickness until June,” Rose explained.
“So the first six months was pretty rough but I started to find some form and get some good mates, which always helps.”
Rose has settled in so much he re-signed a contact extension last month that will see him at Sydney until at least the end of 2018.
Having played in a final in one of his two AFL games, Rose has high hopes for 2016.
“If I could play another 10 games, that would be my goal,” he said.
“I’ve got a few little things to work on, defensive pressure and fitness are the two keys for me this year.”
Galloway has barely had time to set goals but the Swans big man is under no illusions as to how much work he has ahead of him.
“My goal was to get picked up by a team, now I’ve got to think of a new goal,” he said.
“I don’t think I’ll be ready experience wise. I run around with the boys lately and they’re just so ahead, they’ve been playing for 10, 15, 20 years. I’m so far behind but maybe, hopefully, near the end of the year, I might be able to slip in.”
