Having been in the AFL system a year, 202cm project ruckman and rowing/rugby union convert Tom Jeffries has already taken big strides in his development.

After a year training with North, he was officially added to the club’s rookie list in November.

“It’s been a huge challenge,” Jeffries told North Media.

“The main challenge has been wrapping my head around the game.

“Going from a 180 degree game (rugby union) to a 360 degree game makes it hard to get used to the tactics and strategy, and those sorts of things.”

With brother Sam lining up for the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby, and Tom’s own significant rowing experience, Jeffries has a strong sporting pedigree.

And the category B rookie is confident that the attributes that have seen him succeed in these sports will transfer across into his new role as an AFL ruckman/forward.

“I do think there are transferrable attributes for sure,” Jeffries said.

“I think the engine that you build as a rower will obviously hold you in good stead for footy, and the physicality from rugby is obviously important in AFL as well.”

As well as possessing plenty of the attributes required for a big man at AFL level, Jeffries’ development is being aided by being able to learn off some of the best in the business.

“It’s been huge learning off Goldy (Todd Goldstein) and Preussy (Braydon Preuss), as well as Russian (Alex Ishchenko - former ruck coach) last year and now Will Minson (current ruck coach) this year.

“These guys have all been successful at AFL level, and I couldn’t think of better mentors to help develop my game and challenge me. ”

There is one man in particular Jeffries looks up to as he learns his new craft.

“It’s been really good to learn from Goldy,” he said.

“He’s obviously an All-Australian ruckman so he knows what he’s talking about. 

“He’s been helping heaps with the ruck-work and is always happy to help out in game-sense stuff, giving me pointers and showing me the right spots.

“It’s been great being around these guys and feeding off them.”

Learning a new code almost from scratch will always take time, but Jeffries is appreciative of how supportive the club has been in his time so far.

Last year he played several VFL games at development level, and now has even better chance to develop his craft with the Roos’ standalone team. 

“Working with the development coaches has been massive. They really help me each week on the track and help build my understanding when we go through vision,” Jeffries added.

“The club have been huge for me in my development.”