SEN's Francis Leach interviewed former Essendon player Geoff Burdett who is now the AFL's Wimmera Regional Development Officer. Burdett was involved with three of this year's draftees from the North Ballarat Rebels including our own Kyle Cheney who was drafted along with former Warrack Eagles team mate

Clayton Hinkley (to Fremantle) and Stawell's Matt Austin (Brisbane). Burdett spoke about the dedication of these players who made long round trips to training each week to play for the Rebels. Their season started last November when they had only a shortish round trip to Horsham but once the lists were finalised they had a much longer trip to Ballarat twice a week. Burdett estimated that the boys travelled 27,000 kms during the year to play TAC Cup football.

Burdett said that the players would take a lap top with them and spend the time on their drives to and from Ballarat for training watching DVD's of their games. If Burdett wasn't available to take them they faced even longer trips by train or bus. He said the boys' parents also had to make enormous sacrifices to support their sons who often had little financial recompense for the costs involved in their travel. There is no subsidy from the AFL for these players although Kyle did receive a small amount through the Wimmera Sports Academy.

He also added that because of the sacrifices and the difficulties of long distance travel it brings out the best in young players and they are often better able to adapt to the requirements of playing AFL football. He was greatly impressed by Kyle and expects him to kick on once he establishes himself in a club environment.

KC was selected on a HBF in the TAC Cup Team of the Year and looks a likely prospect for the future.

TAC Team of the Year is quite impressive. Hards will be delighted; shades of Peter Walsh anyone?

sounds like an eventual replacement for Whelan, but also helps cover the loss of 2 halfback flankers we lost over the preseason in Ward and Brown.

another gingerpubes never hurt as well haha

Looks like a well put together unit.

Look forward to him and Bate lighting up the 'g' for years to come.

TAC Team of the Year is quite impressive. Hards will be delighted; shades of Peter Walsh anyone?

Bater would be wrapt having another Blood Nut on board.

Can't wait for the shot of both in the New RED Polo shirt.

Welcome to the MFC Kyle

Bater would be wrapt having another Blood Nut on board.

Can't wait for the shot of both in the New RED Polo shirt.

Welcome to the MFC Kyle

no wonder the polo tops are red now, with all of this lucky red colour in china

I had no idea he was a "blood nut". With Walshy's delisting and the unfortunate loss of Troy a few years ago we've been a bit light on. Good to see him and Bate keeping up the tradition.

He could be Peter Walsh's long lost brother. Let's hope so, Walshy was one of my favourite players.

He looks like a real footballer.

Love him already!!!!

Tear them apart, KC

IT'S PETER WALSH!!!!

THE GREAT MAN!!!!

I'M BACK!!!!!

I can see this kid being a cult -figure already!