Tom Curran is fit and ready for whatever comes his way this season.  Noticeably bigger and stronger, the 19-year old is looking forward to playing as much footy as possible in 2013 and is intent on not letting anything get in his way.   

“I’m certainly feeling the fittest I’ve been. Going into last year I couldn’t run and there was nothing I could do about it, but now I can do so much more hard work and get my confidence and fitness back,” Curran told NMFC.com.au.

A foot injury kept the young forward in a moon-boot and on the sidelines for much of last season but he was able to accelerate his training loads in January this year.

”I feel much stronger than where I was at last year, I guess when you spend so much time in rehab off your legs you build your upper body strength but I know I’ve still got a long way to go.”

Spending his first year on an AFL list in rehab wasn’t the start Curran had hoped for, but it provided him with other opportunities to soak up more knowledge of the game.

“That was a real eye opener for me, learning how the leading patterns work to give me a greater understanding as a forward. Fruity’s (Brett Allison) probably been the main person who has helped me most with my development so far.”

The current strength of North’s forward unit could make it difficult to see a spot opening up for Curran, but he’s comfortable waiting for his turn and gaining as much experience as he can from those ahead of him.

“To watch guys like Drew (Petrie), Taz (Robbie Tarrant) and Lachie (Hansen) and the way they go about things, it’s so good to learn from them.

“Drewy, for his professionalism and work ethic and Taz for the way he goes about things.  Someone who is the most opposite player to what I am, Boomer, I really admire him and you can’t go wrong if you model yourself after someone like that."

Most recently Curran proved his ability as a key forward target, booting three goals for North Ballarat in the VFL side’s final practice match of the pre-season.

“I’ve still got a lot of development to go but if I could crack in for a senior game at some point it would be amazing but right now, I’m just happy to learn everything I can from them.”

Outside of the club, Curran has another important influence that he looks to for guidance, support and advice; his dad and Hawthorn Premiership player Peter Curran.

“Growing up with Dad as my mentor was pretty special. He never really intruded and would always let my coaches coach but when I got home, we would go through the game together.

“It was a good mix. He’s got a great knowledge base so I always try to absorb as much as I can from him. I feel kind of like a sponge.”

With fierce determination, Curran is ready to take big steps forward this year and he’s prepared to now put into practice all the things he’s taken on board since arriving at Aegis Park.

“I want to keep developing as much as I can, learn more about the game and I have continuity as my main focus for the year.

“To keep developing and maybe even play a senior game this year is what I’m ultimately striving for.”