While his AFL dream is on hold, delisted Roo Eric Wallace says he’s learnt plenty and made lifelong friends during his time at North.
Wallace spent three years at Arden St, joining the club as an international rookie, and the American said he couldn’t be prouder of his progress.
“I couldn’t run around the field once,” Wallace told NMFC.com.au of his first day on the footy field.
“Now to be able to run out a full season of VFL games and train at an AFL level, my physical attributes have just increased.
“Physically, I’m probably in the best shape of my life.”
And the enormity of making an AFL list was something that wasn’t lost on the 26-year-old.
“I’m living some kids’ dreams. It was a big day for me (being drafted),” Wallace said.
“I remember the first day Brad handed me the jersey and my mother saw the video (of the jumper presentation), she said 'I’d never seen you smile like that.'”
With a background in basketball, Wallace has come a long way since that day, matching it with the big men of the VFL week-in, week-out.
But with North’s ruck and tall forward stocks batting deep, the man known to his teammates as ‘Beast’ always knew it was always going to be an uphill battle to make his AFL debut.
“You gave it the best shot, you had the opportunity, but sometimes in sports, it’s just timing, placement.
“But the good thing for me, I was at North Melbourne during a time that they showed some great fight, great spirit. It didn’t end in a blue and white game for me ... there’s no shame in not making that goal right away, but who knows what the future holds.”
Wallace said his time at North was one made more enjoyable, thanks to the ‘Shinboner Spirit’.
“It’s been three years with the same guys... these are my friends. Guys that I’ll follow from here on out.
“Hopefully the Kangaroos play in a Grand Final next year and if I’m not in Australia, that’s one of the things I’d like to come back for.
“When you look at the people, the coaching staff, the administration – everybody does things the right way.”
And what’s next for the big man?
“I’m a bit of an adventurer. Getting the news of not coming back is kind of like, OK, what’s next? What can I tackle next? What do people think I can’t do?” he said.
“Having played AFL, no pads, catching a football, running tremendous amounts during a game, it actually helps going to gridiron, American football, so I’m going to give that a try.”
Wallace is in no doubt that his next sporting chapter will be made easier, having played alongside the likes of Brent Harvey, Jarrad Waite, Nick Dal Santo and Todd Goldstein – to name just a few.
“Those guys will go down in AFL history, and to say If you look back at the team photo I’ll be right there standing next to them - it’s an experience I’ll never forget and be happy for.”
