#21 - Sharrod "THE BOOT" Wellingham

[skeetz]

I can't believe the young fella hasn't got a buddy thread!
I'm adopting him!
Will update when I get home from work.

BIO (from CFC):
The slick midfielder from Western Australia enjoyed a solid first season playing for the club’s VFL affiliate Williamstown after being selected in the rookie draft at the end of 2006. Possesses excellent speed and precise skills, he was rewarded for his excellent VFL form by being temporarily elevated to the senior list due to the long-term injury to Chris Egan. Was mentioned by Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse to be close to senior selection during the year, so with another year on the rookie list in 2008 he is one being looked at to take the next step and convince he is ready for senior football.
Well I think averaging 16 disposals, 4 marks and 4 tackles per game would have to convince everyone that he is well and truly ready to take the step up. He has also got a few clearances in most games.

The Collingwood board has been buzzing with excitment about the "BOOT". VFL reports have been encouraging, and many have lamented the fact he was placed on the rookie list for a second year. But that has all changed. With Dick out for the year, young BOOT can be confident that it is solely up to himself to hold his place.
He has impressed many with his silky disposal by foot, and everlasting composure on the field. I have been guilty of yelling "GO PENDLES, RUUUUUN!!!" at the TV, only to then look like a fool when they zoom in to show the BOOT taking off like a rocket with the ball under his arm.
What I have liked most is that he really doesn't look out of place. He looks calm and collected, but can also be found at the bottom of a pack every game.

Love ya work BOOT!
http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj61/skeetzr/boot3.jpg

[skeetz]

"His 2.90sec for 20m at a WA State Screening session highlighted his great natural pace"
Bonza!

[Salty Malty]

Brilliant Skeetz. I for one will be looking forward to any detailed background on "the Sherriff of Wellingham". Love this bloke, he's gonna be a gun!!

[skeetz]

the BOOT pwning Yablett
feast your eyes upon this:

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj61/skeetzr/boot.jpg

[Swanny36]

love this kid, he is going to be an absolute star of the competition but because he is in a B&W jumper it will not be noticed ALA Dane Swan

[Optimax]

Great wathcing tyhis kid ply his trade, is still skinny but isnt afraid to go in and get it and tackle bigger bodies to boot.

keep up the good work sharrod

[skeetz]

SHARROD Wellingham is only two games into his AFL career, but it has not taken him long to appreciate the intensity and glitter of the big stage.

Just 19, the Collingwood midfielder has already felt the full glare of the footy media, the thrill of a debut on Anzac Day and the sheer excitement of being one of the league's 72 indigenous footballers who in this round celebrate their standing in the game.

Tonight at the MCG, his third senior game will challenge even his blockbuster debut as the Pies try to achieve what everyone else has failed to do this season - beat premier Geelong. For his part, two wins from two starts so far says simply "Why not?".

Wellingham looks as if he belongs at the elite level.

"Definitely. I feel easier at AFL level than VFL because the skills are much better. There's more voice, you know where to run; in a way it's a bit easier," Wellingham said.

He has bounced back from the TAC setback in January and is committed to turning that negative -- a drink-driving offence when he was nabbed shifting Hawk Lance Franklin's car from one parking spot to another to avoid a parking fine - into a positive.

The offence forced the Pies to relinquish their $500,000 sponsorship with the TAC and thrust Wellingham into the spotlight. It also hardened his resolve to succeed.

"I look back and think where I was then and where I am now, about how much I've worked from that point. I want to look forward," he said.

Perth-born Wellingham has a natural feel for Melbourne, loves Collingwood and has the support of his four - yes, four - parents.

His father Mark and mother Aileen divorced when he was young. Both remarried and his step-parents Dave and Sally are avid supporters. All four were on hand for his MCG debut.

"It was pretty amazing just walking out there," he said of that game. "I couldn't get the smile off my face. I remember thinking, 'Oh, my God, check this out'. I then kind of thought, 'I've got to switch on now'. I didn't feel nervous at all."

Wellingham grew up in Perth during Mick Malthouse's 10-year reign at West Coast.

"I didn't know too much really, other than he was a bit of a grumpy man," was Wellingham's perception.

That has all changed.

"Especially with the young blokes he's really supportive, he gives you every opportunity," Wellingham said. "We went down to Tasmania with him last year for a mountain hike, which was awesome.

Just the first-year players, about nine of us, to get to know him a bit better. "

Alongside pride in his indigenous heritage, there is a perception that does not sit quite right with Wellingham.

"Sometimes it's annoying that we get narrowed down into that fast, outside, goal-finishing type of player. We tend to get pigeonholed a bit," he said.

"Leon Davis was our highest-tackling player in the forward 50 last year . . . so there is a lot more to indigenous players that just being outside finishers."

link (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23744443-19742,00.html)

"I feel easier at AFL level than VFL"
Sh*t Hot.

[Mars II]

what type of a name is sharrod?

[Snag Breac]

what type of a name is sharrod?

I think it was originally a surname, much like Kelly, Reilly, Bailey, Cameron, Campbell, Lewis, Douglas etc.

[Godfrey Jones]

^lol i never knew those names were originall surnames

that's cool.

[skeetz]

Young BOOT has had a ripper first year!! Even if he can't force his way back into the side for the finals, I think everyone behind the scenes at the club would have to be super impressed with him.
Averaging almost 14 possies per games, 3.4 marks and 3 tackles!!