AFL Draft 2020: Sturt rising star midfielder Mani Liddy hopes hard work pays off
Meet the Sturt midfielder determined to make his own luck as he strives to land on an AFL list next month.
Local Sport
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Mani Liddy doesn’t believe in having superstitions on the footy field.
The Sturt rising star, who has been one of the standout midfielders in the SANFL under-18 competition this season, prefers to make his own luck.
Liddy is one of SA’s top draft prospects, having impressed with the Double Blues this year.
The 18-year-old, who kicked two goals for Team Grundy in the AFL NAB SA All-Star Match last month, prided himself on working hard and hoped it would lead to him being selected at the AFL National Draft in December.
“I don’t think having superstitions really helps,” Liddy said.
“I think you need to be able to adapt to certain situations.
“If something happens pre-game, you have to adapt to it.
“I just like getting to trainings and games a lot earlier than everyone else and I think that helps so that just helps make sure nothing goes wrong.
“I’ve worked really hard to get to where I am now and I just hope it can pay off in four week’s time.
“It’s an unknown time, especially with not knowing how many picks there are going to be.
“But I guess I’ll just find out on the night and I can’t really do anything from now until then.”
Liddy didn’t start off playing Aussie rules as a youngster, after his parents signed him up for soccer.
But a few years later, he was introduced to Aussie rules and made his way through the junior ranks at Kersbrook Football Club.
The former Trinity College student has been part of Sturt’s development squads for the past five years.
He believed his poise around the contest and accuracy in front of the big sticks would be an asset to an AFL club.
“I think I’m really clean with the ball and my contested work with my clearances is strong,” Liddy, who lined up in Sturt’s under-18 grand final loss against Norwood, said.
“This year I’ve tried to hit the scoreboard a bit more, so I think that has sort of set me apart as well, hitting the scoreboard as an inside midfielder.”
Liddy will watch the AFL draft at home with his parents Simon and Alba and sisters Mia, 19 and Ella 17.
“I’m nervous and excited,” Liddy said.
“It (being drafted) would mean everything to me.
“It’s been a dream since I started playing footy and I think the last three years it’s been a really high goal of mine.”
