The American rookie has been rewarded for his impressive development, having only picked up the game two years ago.
Wallace arrived at Arden Street at the end of 2012 having barely touched a Sherrin. Just over 18 months later, he’s playing regular senior football in the VFL.
“It’s a great group of guys and a great group of coaches so I’m glad they’ve brought me back for another year,” he told NMFC.com.au.
“I’ve worked really hard over the last two seasons; in and out of the offices with the development coaches, talking to the leaders of the team and trying to get better every day.”
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While many would consider his path an unlikely one, the former basketballer’s belief in his own ability is an asset giving him every chance to succeed.
“The first day (at the club) I planned on playing AFL the next day, that’s how confident I am, but here it is two years later in a position where I’ve pen to paper and will come back for another year and have a good shot at it.”
The 25-year-old was thrown an opportunity this season as North Ballarat dissolved its reserves team and he was cast into the number one ruck role.
While it’s been a challenging initiation, Wallace has thrived.
“I’m feeling very confident. I’m starting to find my niche in the team – what I do well, what I need to work on.
“There’s still some things I need to get better at so I can play at AFL level, but from here it’s just ‘keep getting better every day'.”
Another season at North will only assist in the areas he’s identified for improvement.
“Just the conditioning component; the endurance, the stamina. It’s a different game to what I’ve come from (basketball),” Wallace added.
“Then it’s just the flow of game, being in the right position, being a dominant force as a ruckman or a full-forward, wherever Brad (Scott) needs me to come in as a player.
“I’m just learning and really getting the trust in my players that I can play my role the right way.”
