Shaun Burgoyne and Eddie Betts give nephew — PAC rising star Isaiah Dudley — plenty of advice
As the nephew of Eddie Betts and Shaun Burgoyne, Prince Alfred College and Central District rising star Isaiah Dudley has skill in his blood and no shortage of people to turn to for footy advice.
With AFL superstars Shaun Burgoyne and Eddie Betts in his family tree, footy talent runs deep in Isaiah Dudley’s bloodlines.
But it’s what his decorated uncles do away from the bright lights as much as inside packed stadiums that the Prince Alfred College student longs to emulate.
“When I speak to them they just tell me to keep playing and working hard on the field,” says Dudley, who is studying Year 11 at the school.
“I really look up to and admire Shaun for all the stuff he does off-field and in the community.”
Dudley, a member of PAC’s first XVIII and a Central District product, was named in the under-16 All-Australian team last month after impressing with SA at the national championships.
The small forward/midfielder helped SA to a 29-point victory over WA, amassing a game-high 27 disposals and booting four goals.
SA lost its second match against Victoria Metro by 21 points but Dudley was named in the best.
Dudley, 16, is best known for his ability to win stoppages, goal sense, manic pressure and team-first attitude and was proud to be named in the all Australian team.
“It’s an honour to know that I am one of the best in the country for my age,” Dudley says.
“I was at home with mum (Karisma Newchurch) and the family when they called me and told me I made the squad.
“Mum had little tears coming down.”
Dudley, born in Port Lincoln, moved to Adelaide’s north when he was 10 and joined Salisbury West, then Salisbury North Football Club.
He isn’t a stranger to being a leader as the eldest of six children with five younger brothers – Dale, 15, Lleyton, 14, Levi, 9, Jake, 8, and Andrew, 7.
He became a boarder with PAC last year and credits the school for his rapid rise.
“PAC has given me a great opportunity and they’ve really helped and supported me with my football and school work.”
PAC coach Marty McKinnon has described Dudley as a “unique talent” but his age means he is not eligible to be drafted by an AFL club until 2021.
For now, Dudley has his eyes firmly fixed on helping PAC win the Messenger Shield – the college is second with a 5-2 record with four rounds remaining.
“It’s my dream to play AFL,” Dudley says.
“But it’s been an honour playing for PAC.”
