Anakie and Geelong VFL sensation Ajang Kuol mun on winning running vertical jump test, pushing through pain at state combine

Ajang Kuol mun took out a test at the state combine, but his later events were even more remarkable pushing through a painful setback. Plus, the Anakie revelation opens up on his playing future.

Ajang Kuol mun in action for Anakie.

Anakie and Geelong VFL revelation Ajang Kuol mun finished with the best running vertical jump at the state draft combine, and he didn’t even get a chance to perform his best leap.

During one of his leaps at the beginning of the testing day, the promising 206 centimetre ruckman, who burst onto the scene in the Geelong & District Football League for Anakie last year, fell awkwardly and injured his knee.

“I did my opposite foot first and then went onto my preferred foot but I was only able to do one good (jump) because I landed wrong and hurt my knee, I wasn’t able to get up for the other two,” Kuol mun said.

That didn’t stop the South Sudanese talent from recording a 90 centimetre jump, the top result of more than 60 prospects to complete state combine testing across the country.

“This is the first I’m hearing of it but that’s good as,” Kuol mun said.

“I wish I could’ve done the other ones to see if I could beat it. I think I am just grateful for the opportunity, not everyone gets it.”

Perhaps the most remarkable thing was the athletic 22-year-old pushed through the pain in his knee to complete every test.

Having been in the mix for this year’s mid-season draft, Kuol mun had spoken with AFL clubs in the lead-up to the combine who were eager to see his 2km time trial time.

Physios gave him the options to sit out the testing after his setback, but he was determined to see it through.

Ajang Kuol mun running the 2km time trial. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I just said, you only get one opportunity,” he said. So I forced the rest of the testing, I did think I would’ve got better times if not (for the injury),” Kuol mun said.

He was feeling more pain with each test, and unfortunately it was the 2km time trial that was the final event.

“It was hurting even in the warm-up but for me, the reason I was there was definitely because of the 2k. I knew a lot of clubs wanted to see if I’d improved from my pre-season time,” he said.

“I just said, it is whatever, push this pain to the side and chugged it out.”

Kuol mun was unable to impress as much as he would have liked but it was still an improvement on his previous recorded time.

“I think (clubs) just want to know if I can run at AFL pace at AFL level,” he said.

“I am a strong believer in my own work ethic and I do believe with more training I will reach it definitely, because I am willing to put in the work and I think a lot of people have put a lot of effort in me and put a lot of belief behind me.”

His competitive mindset and character has impressed clubs, and it should come as no surprise given his incredible backstory.

Kuol mun was born in a Kenyan refugee camp, lost his brother before his family immigrated to Australia and has seen his work tooth and nail for him and his siblings.

WHAT’S NEXT

The man known as ‘AJ’ hasn’t just attracted interest from AFL clubs.

If he isn’t taken in the upcoming draft period, there is a very real possibility he could move to a stand-alone VFL club for more opportunity.

Kuol mun found himself stuck behind recognised Geelong ruckmen Toby Conway, Rhys Stanley and young Cats Mitch Edwards and Joe Furphy throughout his first season at the Cats, managing five games ahead of the mid-season draft.

Anakie and Kuol mun have also come to the decision that playing at a higher level locally will benefit his footy.

Ajang Kuol mun has played for both Anakie and Geelong VFL this season. Picture: Mark Wilson

Almost every Geelong Football League club has asked the question of Kuol mun – another sign of his whirlwind rise.

Even if he departs both Geelong and Anakie, he will forever be thankful for the hard work they have put in – particularly Anakie coach Jayke Mawson, Roos president Heath Menhennet and Cats VFL coach Mark Corrigan.

“I will still go and watch some Anakie games next year regardless of where I’m at, I remember where I started. I remember my roots, always,” Kuol mun said.

“The coaches at Anakie, ‘Pres’, ‘Harry’ (Corrigan) and the Geelong people, when they picked me up and stuff and I just want to repay that faith with good fruits.

“The Geelong staff and the coaching team, they really took their time with me and they knew my rawness and I reckon they couldn’t have done a better job at refining me as a footballer or as a person to be honest.”

If it isn’t this year, Kuol mun will continue chasing his AFL dream.

That was a pipedream two years ago when he decided to have a kick with Anakie for his first season in a decade.

“To be honest it is unreal how much I’ve learnt, literally the year before I was just going out to kick for fun with the boys,” Kuol mun said.

“I’m excited, definitely excited for any opportunities that arise. I just want to make sure that I can put myself in the best position, whether it is AFL next year or VFL, just to really go out there and have a crack and have fun with the boys and enjoy my footy to be honest.”

Originally published as Anakie and Geelong VFL sensation Ajang Kuol mun on winning running vertical jump test, pushing through pain at state combine