Eagles’ Joe Sinor reinvents himself as a defender at Oval Avenue

WOODVILLE-West Torrens’ Joe Sinor almost walked away from the club last year, only to give the SANFL one more shot and establish himself as a key component of the Eagles defence.

Woodville-West Torrens’ Joe Sinor. Picture: Calum Robertson

WOODVILLE-West Torrens gun Jared Petrenko sent teammate Joe Sinor a text message a couple of weeks back to let his good friend know he glad he was he had persisted with his career at the Eagles.

Sinor admits he also quit the club at the end of last season in frustration and seriously considered football life at his former club Henley or even in the bush.

There had been more than 50 appearances in the reserves, broken up by only nine league games, and he questioned his enjoyment for the game. There was also the concern of carrying a reputation as a fringe player.

“I was almost out the door at the end of last year,” Sinor, 23, said. “I could have gone back to my old club or the country, it was very close, almost curtains.

“But (Eagles football manager) Luke Powell and (coach) Michael Godden told me to give it one more crack. They knew I was close to leaving, so I went away and had a think about it and here I am.”

Woodville West Torrens’ Joe Sinor bursts through the pack. Picture: CALUM ROBERTSON

Much of his motivation came from being concerned he would reflect on his football in 10 years and question why he left the Eagles at 22 after playing only a handful of league games. He did not want to wonder what ifs.

Sinor not only opted to stay at Woodville Oval where he had risen through the junior grades, he played all 18 minor round games and has had an enormous impact. Not in the midfield where he spent all his career until this season, but as a key component of the Eagles’ highly regarded defensive unit.

There were gaps in the defensive structure following the retirement of Luke Jarrad and Phil Raymond and if Sinor wanted to play consistent league footy, he had to take over their role.

Godden was upfront with Sinor on the eve of the season and told him there was no vacancy in the midfield.

“Godsy told me I was a midfielder but could not find a spot there in his 21,” Sinor said. “He said there was a spot down back and asked if I wanted to give it a go.

“Obviously I wasn’t going to say no. At the start of the year I just wanted to get a game and going into round one there was no certainty I was going to get that.

“There was half a chance I’d start in the twos again. But I played half a trial against South Adelaide down back, that was the first time I’d played there and then Godsy threw me in there against Central District in round one.

“I’ve played back ever since and am loving it. That is one of the reasons I feel I’ve had such a good year, I’m back to enjoying it. One of the hardest parts of being an SANFL footballer is being a fringe player and I’ve been able to shake that.

“I’ve got back to enjoying football like I did as a junior.”

The creation of Sinor as a defender has been aided by the depth of experience, headed by co-captains Luke Thompson and Patrick Giuffreda, around him. Then there is Paul Stewart, back at the Eagles after a stint with Port Adelaide, Matthew Goldsworthy and Jarred Allmond.

“There is plenty of experience back there so it makes my life easier,” Sinor said. “They are massive for me throughout the game, always in my ear making sure I’m doing the right things and staying focused.”

The defence is the most miserly in the league and Sinor said the Eagles will have to being their A-grade game today to conquer Port Adelaide in the second-semi-final at Adelaide Oval.