Jonty Scharenberg using last year’s AFL draft snub as motivation with Glenelg this SANFL season

JONTY Scharenberg remembers his devastation at missing out on being drafted last year.

Glenelg’s Jonty Scharenberg is hopeful he may get drafted this year after missing out last season. Picture: Nick Clayton.

JONTY Scharenberg remembers his devastation.

Touted as a possible top-10 selection last year, the Glenelg footballer watched the AFL National Draft on TV at home in November with family and was shocked to be overlooked.

Scharenberg had made his league debut at 16 and was an All-Australian after averaging 24 disposals, six tackles and five clearances at the national under-18 titles.

Not getting taken as a rookie a few days later – becoming one of only three draft-eligible under-18 All-Australians to miss out altogether – only added to his anguish.

“I’m not going to lie – it was pretty hard,” Scharenberg, 18, says.

“It’s obviously hard seeing all your mates (get drafted).

“You’re happy for them but at the same time a little bit jealous because you’re wishing you were at an AFL club.

“I was pretty devastated after it but the amount of support I had from family, people at the footy club and my friends was pretty overwhelming.

“A lot of people sent me messages and I’m very thankful for that.

“Things happen for a reason I guess and it’s made me a little bit hungrier now.”

Scharenberg, brother of Collingwood’s Matt Scharenberg, is using getting spurned as motivation with the Tigers this season.

Last week the inside midfielder turned half-back flanker was named the SANFL’s breakthrough player for round nine after 25 disposals, six marks and four tackles in the Tigers’ win over North Adelaide.

“I’m playing a different role down back and it took me time to adjust but I’m starting to get used to it.”

Scharenberg took a week off training after the drafts then met with Tigers coach Matthew Lokan to “see where my head was at”.

“It was probably the best thing I could’ve done, to get back into it (training).

“It’s no good just staying at home and thinking about it.

“I had to get on with my life to try and improve on the things I need to improve on.

“I was never going to leave footy or quit Glenelg, I was always going to go back and have another crack.”

Lokan’s main pre-season advice to the former Immanuel College student was to enjoy his football more.

“Last year was a pretty big year with Year 12, state (under-18) stuff and I was a bit all over the place,” Scharenberg says.

“There was a little bit of pressure on the draft but this year I can focus on enjoying my footy a bit more.”

Matt and older brother Jake, who plays for amateur club PHOS Camden, also offer Scharenberg support.

“We’re pretty close and keep in contact, talk a bit of footy, which is nice.”

Scharenberg no longer has expectations on his draft chances and has not spoken to AFL clubs this year.

But he believes he has improved significantly after working on his kicking and endurance.

Scharenberg says it will be a dream come true if he is drafted in November.

First, though, he hopes to help Glenelg, which sits fifth with a 6-4 record, break a six-year finals drought this season.

“I’ve definitely come out a better person and better player.

“It definitely helps when the team is playing well.

“(Getting drafted) would mean the world to me and I’d be grateful for the opportunity.

“The pain of missing out last year has made me work harder so if I was given that opportunity it’d be extra special.”