The bad break that halted one career might have kickstarted another for Glenelg’s Callum Park
Callum Park was a talented junior baseballer and footballer, but when injury struck he was forced to make a choice. Tipped to be selected at next week’s AFL Draft, his decision to pursue footy is looking like the right one.
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It was the untimely injury that might have been football’s lucky break.
When dual sports star Callum Park was crunched in a tackle in a Gaelic football match in Ireland last year and had his potent left leg crumble under him, his immediate thought was how it would affect his last year of junior baseball.
A state and Australian junior baseballer, Park was representing an Australian under-17 football team in an off-season trip to Ireland when he was pushed forward in a tackle, his opponent fell on top of him and his left fibula cracked.
“It ruined my last year of state under-18s baseball, which was disappointing,’’ Park said on reflection.
But his time off got him thinking.
For six years, the tall, talented sports allrounder had faced the old-age dilemma of having to choose between two sports he was very good at.
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Since the age of 12 the smooth-moving athlete had combined state, Australian and club baseball duties – he was a smart pitcher who beat batters with curveballs and variation, rather than velocity – with state and club football.
If he was going to take the next step with either sport – “I love them both,’’ Park said – something had to give.
“I’d probably always favoured going down the football path, but I guess the timing of the injury – and the fact that it meant I wasn’t going to be playing baseball for a while – forced me to take time out to reflect on what I really wanted to do,’’ he said.
“I was playing at Australian level with my baseball, so it wasn’t something I took lightly.
“I had long discussions with my family and friends about it and eventually chose football, thinking that it would probably give me my best chance of having success down the track.’’
Football is in Park’s blood.
Older brother Scott Bricknell played 100 league games for West Adelaide from 2006-14, including the losing grand final to Norwood in 2012.
Now 32 and playing with Hills club Blackwood, Bricknell – a tough defender/midfielder – has played a key role in Park’s development.
“Being a lot younger than him and my other brothers (Luke, 35, and Brad, 34) I grew up being the smallest in all the backyard football battles and having to fight hard for the ball,’’ Park said.
“And then with Scott playing at an elite level with West Adelaide and almost getting drafted, I’ve grown up with his journey and have leant on him for support.
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“We often have a kick together at the local park or go for a run, or chat over coffee.
“He’s helped me with my professionalism and preparation – physically and mentally – for the draft.’’
The interest in Glenelg wingman Park is strong.
He was one of only 12 Croweaters invited to test at last month’s AFL Draft Combine in Melbourne.
A superb, 190cm athlete who is lightly framed at 70kg, Park played three of SA’s four matches at this year’s AFL under-18 championships and produced a standout elimination final performance for Glenelg’s reserves.
His 20-disposal, 12-mark display caught the eye of recruiters.
Park, who ran a 2.97 second 20-metre sprint at the draft combine, has the athletic qualities that scouts are looking for, along with a booming left-foot kick.
“Cal has a good balance of speed and endurance and he kicks the ball really well, which a lot of clubs will take notice of,’’ SA under-18 coach Tony Bamford told The Lowdown AFL Draft Podcast.
“One of the things he did really well at the nationals was to kick the ball inside 50 to our forwards.
“When Cal had the ball our forwards were excited because of the way he put it to their advantage.’’
All 18 AFL clubs have spoken to Park, while he has had home visits from St Kilda, West Coast, Collingwood and Gold Coast.
With plenty of upsize, he has been tipped to go in the 50-70 draft range.
“I think clubs like my size and versatility, the fact that I’ve got a few strings to my bow and can pretty much play anywhere,’’ Park said.
“My speed for a tall player is quite strong and I have the ability to leap high to take marks while also being able to use my leg speed to break away from opponents and run and carry the ball.
“I need to work on my contested football, but I think I’ve made some improvements there and should only get better as I put on more size.’’