Anderson’s attitude has VFL coaches urging a move north

Sawtell flyer joins Southport but finds balance between school and burgeoning footy career

Angus Anderson trains with The Northern Heat squad at C.ex Stadium Coffs Harbour in November. Photo: Tim Jarrett

Sawtell Toormina Saints star Angus Anderson's rise has continued, earning himself a spot on a leading VFL club's books for 2021 after impressing during a trial.

Anderson excelled during a stint at Southport Sharks, who play in the Victorian Football League/East Coast League, with the coaches so impressed by his efforts they were keen to see him relocate to the Gold Coast to have greater involvement with the team.

However, with Anderson due to complete year 12 this year, that wasn't feasible and the Sharks' staff were fully supportive, adding him to their supplementary list.

READ MORE: HOT PROSPECT: Anderson heads north for trials

"Trialling with the club was a fantastic learning experience with so many players and coaches having AFL level experience," Anderson said.

"I would love to be able to make the move this year but school has to come first and being on the supplementary list means I can maintain a focus on both.

"I'm keen for another big year locally with Sawtell Toormina Saints and will trial with Southport again at the end of this year."

As a member of the supplementary list, Anderson will continue to train at Southport whenever he's able and will take part in intra-club practice matches and possibly even pre-season games against teams in the VFL and East Coast League.

Under this arrangement Angus will train once per week up north during the school holidays and will hope to get to Southport sessions on a semi-regular basis once school resumes.

Jarrod Field, General Manager of Football at Southport Sharks, said that Anderson exceeded their expectations.

"When we offered the trial it was for two weeks and we thought that we'd be saying goodbye to him at the end of that time," Field said.

"The longer we went with the trial, the more he impressed us, not only with his ability but also his dedication.

"Angus was often one of the first to training, regularly stayed back to do extras, and wasn't afraid to ask the senior guys for advice on drills."

The opportunity to trial at Southport came off the back of a stellar year with the Sawtell-Toormina Saints and involvement with the Northern Heat program.

His efforts with the Sharks will ensure future opportunities will be extended to other Northern Heat players in future years.

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