http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,11303420%255E19742,00.html
Ky boy ready to fly high
07 November 2004 Sunday Herald Sun
His hero is Chris Judd and people are talking of Brett Deledio in similar terms. Jackie Epstein reports.
On the road to glory? Brett Deledio Picture: Tim Carrafa
TWO giant posters of Chris Judd are the first things Brett Deledio sees every time he walks into his room.
The reigning Brownlow medallist has been Deledio's idol since he made the grade with West Coast three years ago.
Like Judd, Deledio's trademarks are speed and agility. But you can also add marking strength to the 17-year-old's string of attributes.
As a forward he has dominated and as an onballer he has captivated.
Astute judges use the words brilliant and outstanding to describe him but none have wanted to label him Judd-esque just yet.
One thing certain is that Hawthorn is praying to have this 188cm and 81kg utility available with its No. 2 selection in the national draft.
"I think he's a player that, down the track, will play a lot of league football," Hawks recruiting manager Gary Buckenara said.
"He's a quality kid with a quality family . . . he'll be one or two for sure, and we're hoping he's still there for us."
Only five clubs have spoken to Deledio -- Richmond, Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, Adelaide and Carlton -- knowing full well he will not be on the market for long.
Should Richmond take him at No. 1 he is unfussed. His parents, Wayne and Judy, from Dunolly and Natte Yallock, are loath to leave the country but his uncle Ron lives in Melbourne and he is close to his cousins in the city.
Deledio simply wants to fulfil his long-held dream of playing AFL and following in the footsteps of his Dad, who played one game for Carlton in 1975.
"Since I was a little tacker I've wanted to play footy," Deledio said.
"Dad did and I want to do what he's done.
"After every game we talk about what I've done well and what I haven't done well. He's been a big influence."
Deledio Sr was a key position player invited to train with Carlton when he was 19.
He admits he wasn't good enough but knew Brett had the ability to make it when he watched him play for the Kyabram seniors against Tongala last year.
"I guess I started to get an idea that he might do all right when he debuted as a 15-year-old in the seniors here in the Goulburn Valley, which is a good standard," Deledio Sr said.
"It's one of the major leagues in Victoria and he came out and had about 30 something touches in his first game with Ky.
"I guess that was a really pleasing one to watch. He was a skinny little kid then and I didn't know how he was going to go."
Deledio's profile has since increased to the point where his mates joke that the local paper is called "The Deledio Times".
A regular reader of the Kyabram Free Press is perhaps the town's most famous export, Garry Lyon.
The Demon great, who regards Wayne Deledio as a childhood hero, is convinced Deledio Jr will be in the top two picks.
"I've been very aware of his exploits through the paper and my Dad (Peter) is still president of the football club there," Lyon said.
"A lot of people have been talking about him for a long time.
"I drove down to watch him in the under-18 championships in Geelong and he was fantastic.
"He lived up to the wraps that were on him.
"I speak to (AFL talent manager) Kevin Sheehan about him and keep up to date with his progress, so it's very exciting. He'll definitely go early.
"It just depends on the clubs and their requirements, but it's an exciting time.
"It's a big thing for the town. As is always the case, they take great pride in the exploits of one of their own."
Deledio, or "Lids" to his mates, trains four nights a week during footy season and once a week in Wangaratta with the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup.
Wayne, a relief teacher, and Judy, an accounts manager, were relieved when the 2004 season ended.
FOR much of the year they operate as a taxi service for Brett, middle son Matthew, 15, and daughter Sheridan, 13.
"We started driving him around to footy when he was about eight," Deledio Sr said.
"It was his dream from quite a young age to play AFL footy.
"You always hope, for the kid's sake, that they'll be good enough.
"You hope they'll develop and keep improving, and it looks like he's a chance to get drafted."
Deledio came fourth in the Bushrangers' best and fairest, capping a year in which he captained Australia against Ireland, played for Vic Country in the under-18 championships and made the All-Australian team.
"He had a really good year," said Xavier Tanner, the Bushrangers' coach and former North Melbourne premiership player.
"I think he'll develop into a very handy midfielder, but going forward I think he could be a very handy goalkicker.
"His qualities are he's very quick and could play midfield with a bit of extra strength. His high marking and his ball handling are quite outstanding."
Cricket training eats up most of Deledio's week now, although there is still room for part-time work at a clothes shop, year 11 schoolwork and yabbying or back-yard cricket with his mates.
He uses a bat given to him by former Australian Test opener Matthew Elliott, who is also a product of Kyabram.
Clearly as adept on a cricket field as he is on a football ground -- five 50s and 36 wickets were his stats three seasons ago -- Deledio needed no advice about which to pursue.
His heart lies with football but some encouraging words from former Carlton star Craig Bradley have given him the confidence to play both.
"When I met Craig Bradley last year he was saying to play cricket as long as you can, as well as your footy and to keep it up," he said.
"You need something to balance your life.
"Cricket has always been my second sport but I wasn't sure if I'd have to give it up straight away.
"I just love footy. You're always in the game. You have more than one chance I guess and the physicality of it too."
His best mates Zane Coventry and Gareth "Gubbz" Oughton remember Deledio making an immediate impact when the family moved back to Kyabram from Maryborough when he was 11.
"He was always the best at everything and pretty much excelled in whatever he did at school," Oughton said.
Said Coventry: "When he first came he had dyed red hair and I thought, 'who's this smart a---?' But when I got to know him he was really nice."
The trio are often seen together around the streets but Deledio is also very close to his brother Matt.
A strong forward who is already 183cm, Matt is likely to start playing at the Bushrangers next year.
The competition better watch out -- Judd adorns Brett's room and next door Matt has a poster of Brisbane Lion Jonathan Brown.
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT BRETT DELEDIO
Wayne Deledio, father: "I guess I started to get an idea that he might do all right when he debuted as a 15-year-old in the seniors . . . he came out and had about 30 something touches in his first game with Ky."
Xavier Tanner, Murray Bushrangers coach: "He's possibly the most outstanding player we've had at the Bushrangers in my time and I've been here seven years. We've had some good ones, Justin Koschitzke, Kane Tenace and Josh Fraser, but I think Deledio could be the best of all of them. He'll be one or two I'd say for sure."
Garry Lyon, Kyabram's most famous son: "A lot of people have been talking about him for a long time. I drove down to watch him in the under-18 championships in Geelong and he was fantastic. He lived up to the wraps that were on him. If he could hang around for as long as I did that would be great."
Gary Buckenara, Hawthorn recruiting manager: "He's a very good size, six-foot two inches in the old scale, and he's quick. He's got good skills both sides of his body and makes good decisions. In a club environment he could improve a lot. I think he's a player that, down the track, will play a lot of league football."
Greg Beck, Richmond recruiting manager: "He's got the versatility to be a very good AFL player there's no doubt about that. The beauty with Brett is that he's got the height and the marking ability. He's a quality player."
Kevin Sheehan, AFL talent manager: "He is the ideal type of modern running player. He won't play key positions, he's more a tough, hard-running half-back or a running, crumbing forward. He has that little bit of brilliant speed that can be a great attribute. He won the under-16 medal last year and captained the academy. He's an allrounder who can play in two-thirds of the positions on the ground."
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If we dont take this kid then we are stupider than i thought.
Ky boy ready to fly high
07 November 2004 Sunday Herald Sun
His hero is Chris Judd and people are talking of Brett Deledio in similar terms. Jackie Epstein reports.
TWO giant posters of Chris Judd are the first things Brett Deledio sees every time he walks into his room.
The reigning Brownlow medallist has been Deledio's idol since he made the grade with West Coast three years ago.
Like Judd, Deledio's trademarks are speed and agility. But you can also add marking strength to the 17-year-old's string of attributes.
As a forward he has dominated and as an onballer he has captivated.
Astute judges use the words brilliant and outstanding to describe him but none have wanted to label him Judd-esque just yet.
One thing certain is that Hawthorn is praying to have this 188cm and 81kg utility available with its No. 2 selection in the national draft.
"I think he's a player that, down the track, will play a lot of league football," Hawks recruiting manager Gary Buckenara said.
"He's a quality kid with a quality family . . . he'll be one or two for sure, and we're hoping he's still there for us."
Only five clubs have spoken to Deledio -- Richmond, Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, Adelaide and Carlton -- knowing full well he will not be on the market for long.
Should Richmond take him at No. 1 he is unfussed. His parents, Wayne and Judy, from Dunolly and Natte Yallock, are loath to leave the country but his uncle Ron lives in Melbourne and he is close to his cousins in the city.
Deledio simply wants to fulfil his long-held dream of playing AFL and following in the footsteps of his Dad, who played one game for Carlton in 1975.
"Since I was a little tacker I've wanted to play footy," Deledio said.
"Dad did and I want to do what he's done.
"After every game we talk about what I've done well and what I haven't done well. He's been a big influence."
Deledio Sr was a key position player invited to train with Carlton when he was 19.
He admits he wasn't good enough but knew Brett had the ability to make it when he watched him play for the Kyabram seniors against Tongala last year.
"I guess I started to get an idea that he might do all right when he debuted as a 15-year-old in the seniors here in the Goulburn Valley, which is a good standard," Deledio Sr said.
"It's one of the major leagues in Victoria and he came out and had about 30 something touches in his first game with Ky.
"I guess that was a really pleasing one to watch. He was a skinny little kid then and I didn't know how he was going to go."
Deledio's profile has since increased to the point where his mates joke that the local paper is called "The Deledio Times".
A regular reader of the Kyabram Free Press is perhaps the town's most famous export, Garry Lyon.
The Demon great, who regards Wayne Deledio as a childhood hero, is convinced Deledio Jr will be in the top two picks.
"I've been very aware of his exploits through the paper and my Dad (Peter) is still president of the football club there," Lyon said.
"A lot of people have been talking about him for a long time.
"I drove down to watch him in the under-18 championships in Geelong and he was fantastic.
"He lived up to the wraps that were on him.
"I speak to (AFL talent manager) Kevin Sheehan about him and keep up to date with his progress, so it's very exciting. He'll definitely go early.
"It just depends on the clubs and their requirements, but it's an exciting time.
"It's a big thing for the town. As is always the case, they take great pride in the exploits of one of their own."
Deledio, or "Lids" to his mates, trains four nights a week during footy season and once a week in Wangaratta with the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup.
Wayne, a relief teacher, and Judy, an accounts manager, were relieved when the 2004 season ended.
FOR much of the year they operate as a taxi service for Brett, middle son Matthew, 15, and daughter Sheridan, 13.
"We started driving him around to footy when he was about eight," Deledio Sr said.
"It was his dream from quite a young age to play AFL footy.
"You always hope, for the kid's sake, that they'll be good enough.
"You hope they'll develop and keep improving, and it looks like he's a chance to get drafted."
Deledio came fourth in the Bushrangers' best and fairest, capping a year in which he captained Australia against Ireland, played for Vic Country in the under-18 championships and made the All-Australian team.
"He had a really good year," said Xavier Tanner, the Bushrangers' coach and former North Melbourne premiership player.
"I think he'll develop into a very handy midfielder, but going forward I think he could be a very handy goalkicker.
"His qualities are he's very quick and could play midfield with a bit of extra strength. His high marking and his ball handling are quite outstanding."
Cricket training eats up most of Deledio's week now, although there is still room for part-time work at a clothes shop, year 11 schoolwork and yabbying or back-yard cricket with his mates.
He uses a bat given to him by former Australian Test opener Matthew Elliott, who is also a product of Kyabram.
Clearly as adept on a cricket field as he is on a football ground -- five 50s and 36 wickets were his stats three seasons ago -- Deledio needed no advice about which to pursue.
His heart lies with football but some encouraging words from former Carlton star Craig Bradley have given him the confidence to play both.
"When I met Craig Bradley last year he was saying to play cricket as long as you can, as well as your footy and to keep it up," he said.
"You need something to balance your life.
"Cricket has always been my second sport but I wasn't sure if I'd have to give it up straight away.
"I just love footy. You're always in the game. You have more than one chance I guess and the physicality of it too."
His best mates Zane Coventry and Gareth "Gubbz" Oughton remember Deledio making an immediate impact when the family moved back to Kyabram from Maryborough when he was 11.
"He was always the best at everything and pretty much excelled in whatever he did at school," Oughton said.
Said Coventry: "When he first came he had dyed red hair and I thought, 'who's this smart a---?' But when I got to know him he was really nice."
The trio are often seen together around the streets but Deledio is also very close to his brother Matt.
A strong forward who is already 183cm, Matt is likely to start playing at the Bushrangers next year.
The competition better watch out -- Judd adorns Brett's room and next door Matt has a poster of Brisbane Lion Jonathan Brown.
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT BRETT DELEDIO
Wayne Deledio, father: "I guess I started to get an idea that he might do all right when he debuted as a 15-year-old in the seniors . . . he came out and had about 30 something touches in his first game with Ky."
Xavier Tanner, Murray Bushrangers coach: "He's possibly the most outstanding player we've had at the Bushrangers in my time and I've been here seven years. We've had some good ones, Justin Koschitzke, Kane Tenace and Josh Fraser, but I think Deledio could be the best of all of them. He'll be one or two I'd say for sure."
Garry Lyon, Kyabram's most famous son: "A lot of people have been talking about him for a long time. I drove down to watch him in the under-18 championships in Geelong and he was fantastic. He lived up to the wraps that were on him. If he could hang around for as long as I did that would be great."
Gary Buckenara, Hawthorn recruiting manager: "He's a very good size, six-foot two inches in the old scale, and he's quick. He's got good skills both sides of his body and makes good decisions. In a club environment he could improve a lot. I think he's a player that, down the track, will play a lot of league football."
Greg Beck, Richmond recruiting manager: "He's got the versatility to be a very good AFL player there's no doubt about that. The beauty with Brett is that he's got the height and the marking ability. He's a quality player."
Kevin Sheehan, AFL talent manager: "He is the ideal type of modern running player. He won't play key positions, he's more a tough, hard-running half-back or a running, crumbing forward. He has that little bit of brilliant speed that can be a great attribute. He won the under-16 medal last year and captained the academy. He's an allrounder who can play in two-thirds of the positions on the ground."
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If we dont take this kid then we are stupider than i thought.
