The midfielder has had to be extremely patient at VFL level, averaging 27 disposals and 8 tackles a game. Now he finally gets another chance.
“No-one’s here to play VFL footy, so I’ve had to bide my time, fix things that I need to fix and really work on them back at (North) Ballarat,” Anthony told NMFC.com.au.
Facing some home truths, the number 4 admits he thought his time in the AFL might have been up.
“That always comes through your mind at certain stages, when you’re in pretty good form back at VFL level and don’t get the nod, but I’ve had reassurance from all the coaches and Geoff Walsh (Director of Football) that my time would come.
“I could have gone one of two ways. I could have sooked and never played AFL again, but luckily stuck at it, worked hard and now I’ve got my chance.
Whether it be as the substitute or in the starting 18, Anthony’s approach will be the same.
“I’ve just got to really attack the contest, bring the things that I’ve been doing at Ballarat into the team, and hopefully if I can do that I can help the team and we can get the four points over there (in Perth).
“Now that I’ve got the opportunity I don’t want to let it go.”
