It is one that Jobe Shanahan lived out last Saturday, donning the green jumper of Team Naitanui in the AFL under-17 futures match, played as a curtain raiser to the AFL decider.
“It was a really good experience,” Jobe said.
“I probably didn’t play my best footy, but it was just a great experience to be able to see what it’s like and meet a bunch of new people from all over Australia.”
Jobe lined up with and against the best players in his age group from across the country, with the majority expected to be picked up in their draft year next year.
The Moama star played at full-forward while also helping in the ruck late in the game and said playing with the elite junior talent was a huge highlight.
“Yeah, definitely just meeting all the people that have played VFL already,” he said.
“You just see them on social media and all of that, and it’s just really good to play with them.”
Playing for the team named after retired West Coast superstar Nic Naitanui, Jobe’s side recorded a three-point win over Team Selwood, mentored by Cats legend Joel, with the young crop meeting the two leaders prior to the game.
“We got to meet them the night before,” Jobe said.
“They’re really good people, and they’re really nice. They’re good role models to look up to, and look at their highlights, too.”
Jobe learned of his selection in the side following his three-goal performance for NSW/ACT in the under-17 game against Vic Metro, which he rates as “probably my best game of the year — my hands were on that day, big time”.
The futures match is the culmination of a breakout year for Jobe, who finished equal second in the Bendigo Pioneers’ best-and-fairest after playing 13 games in his bottom-age season, something he still can’t believe.
“Not really; I didn’t even think I was going to make the list at the start of the year,” he said.
“But (Pioneers coach) Danny O’Bree told me that I’d have a fair chance.
“I was actually going to go to boarding school, but I didn’t, so I’m very lucky that he told me that.”
At local level, Jobe has also been supreme, claiming the best-on-ground medal in Moama’s Murray league under-17 grand final win while also being named the Murray league rising star for his efforts in the senior ranks.
“I just love coming back to community (level),” Jobe said.
“Just seeing all of my mates, seeing my senior mates, and just being able to play the game I love and just enjoy it.”
A towering figure, Jobe possesses a phenomenal aerial ability with big hangers a huge part of his game, which he attributes to his days on the basketball court, a sport he has had to sacrifice in pursuit of his footy.
“It’s probably just my basketball that helps the most, just that leap,” he said.
“I think I’ve always had pretty good hands; my parents always say that’s the best part of my game.
“I just about have (had to choose between footy and basketball); I’ve nearly given it up.
“I used to play (basketball) on Friday nights, but then when Pioneers came around, I just kind of stopped, and I’m probably not going to play this year.”
With a huge season ahead of the young prospect as he enters his top-age year, Jobe is keeping his goal relatively simple for such a crucial 12 months.
“I just want to play good footy at Bendigo,” he said.
“I don’t know if I’ve got a shot, but maybe make the AFL Academy, but if I don’t, I’ll just keep playing good footy at Bendigo and hopefully maybe get drafted from there.”
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