Glenelg youngster Billy Stretch reaches for the stars as AFL ambition gathers steam

SOUTH Australian Billy Stretch, son of Demon defender Steven, is making all the right moves to build a successful AFL career.

SOUTH Australian footballer Billy Stretch may see himself as an ordinary Year 12 student — but others see him as a rising star of the AFL.

And it’s hard to argue with those views. After all, how many 17-year-olds are about to play footy on the MCG and then tour Europe playing the game they love?

The son-of-a-gun is one of four South Australians travelling to Europe this week as part of the AIS-AFL Academy Level 2 squad.

The football prodigy, who is tipped to be drafted to Melbourne under the father-son rule, spent the latest stage of the academy training at the Demons.

He said the academy was setting up squad members for a career at AFL level.

“The Melbourne players were fantastic with me, especially a lot of the more experienced players,” Stretch said.

Stretch is also on the senior list at Glenelg, where has played three trial games in the league side, and hopes to make his SANFL debut later this season.

“The club is in good hands and it is going to be an exciting year both on and off the field,” he said.

Glenelg coach Nick Stevens predicted Stretch would make an impact on the big stage.

“Billy is an outstanding junior who shows the professionalism and age of a senior player. He is an elite runner with great skills and an attitude to do whatever it takes to play at the elite level,” Stevens said.

Reaching that level is something Stretch is already working hard towards.

“The thought of not knowing where your future could be is quite frightening yet so exciting,” he said.

Billy credits his success to his family support, especially his dad, former Demons and West Torrens wingman Steven.

“Dad has a great knowledge of the game and while he may not think it, he has a great footy brain,” he said. “He has motivated me to continue to strive for greatness and has helped me to bring the best out of myself.”

There has been a lot written about Melbourne committing to the humble Immanuel College student — but Stretch is keeping his options open.

“Pressures related to the potential father-son rule is certainly something out of my control and I try to stay clear of this,” he said.

“I am trying to remain focused on what I can control, including my last year of school and being the best footballer I possibly can so I get an opportunity to be considered by any AFL club, not just Melbourne.

“I am just like any other any kid doing Year 12. I still see my friends, I train heaps and I am constantly doing homework.”

Stretch believes there is pressure for young footballers due to the competitive nature of the game but believes body management is the key.

“When you are about my age, footballers tend to thrash their bodies competing in many different levels trying to get noticed and your body can get worn out and lead to injury,” he said.

“ ‘Less is more’ is what my dad and coaches say.”

The AIS-AFL Level 2 squad will play the Collingwood VFL team before the Hawthorn-Fremantle clash at the MCG on Friday.