SANFL player of the week: Nick O’Brien
CLASSY Woodville-West Torrens midfielder Nick O’Brien acknowledges any approach from the AFL would be a bonus.
CLASSY Woodville-West Torrens midfielder Nick O’Brien acknowledges any approach from the AFL would be a bonus.
At 23, he knows there is still plenty of football life ahead of him. But he is also at an age where the priority for his football is enjoyment.
“I’m 23 and if the opportunity came (to return to the AFL) you would take it,’’ he said. “I’m probably at a point that would be a bonus.
“You just want to enjoy your footy wherever you are, if that is at the Eagles or AFL listed, it’s exciting either way. I’m loving it at the Eagles, I really am.
“It is getting to the business end of the season and it is exciting times when coming to the finals, there is still a lot of footy to be played.’’
O’Brien was delisted by Essendon at the end of last season and was encouraged to join the Eagles by close friend and gun Eagles onballer Jared Petrenko, who had a pre-season with the Bombers last year.
There was another key factor in his decision to relocate to South Australia.
O’Brien was raised near Ballarat and two of his best mates growing up and going to school were Adelaide brothers Brad and Matt Crouch.
“Naturally I was disappointed to be delisted last year but that is the reality of footy,’’ O’Brien said. “I had four years of experience at Essendon and then moved on with my life.
“I thought it would be a nice change to come over here, live with Brad and Matt, and have a kick. They are professional with their lifestyle so it is easy to fit into that.
“The SANFL is different to the VFL and I’m enjoying it, winning games also makes the transition easier.’’
O’Brien has made a huge impact at the Eagles, no more so than on Saturday when he produced a best-on-ground performance in the victory over Sturt which has climbed his club to the top of the premiership ladder.
He amassed a game high 33 possessions and showed tremendous composure in the engine room heat.