EFNL 2023: South Croydon’s Tom Sheridan earns VFL contract with Casey

It’s been some rise for South Croydon’s Tom Sheridan, whose exploits even caught the eye of one of the AFL’s biggest stars on the way to a VFL contract.

HE left a lasting impression on one of the AFL’s biggest stars.

And now the 21-year-old is set for the state league.

South Croydon’s Tom Sheridan has won a VFL contract with reigning premier Casey following a whirlwind introduction to senior footy across the past two years.

The forward lit it up last season with 45 goals at just 20 years of age in the Eastern league’s Premier Division – considered one of the state’s strongest local comps.

But it was a semi-final among Sheridan’s 19 matches in 2022 which caught the eye of Melbourne premiership captain, Max Gawn – a close friend of South Croydon midfielder and ex-AFL Demon, Matt Jones.

Sheridan featured among the best with three majors as the Bulldogs ended Doncaster East’s season in the 14-point victory that day, before booting three of his side’s seven in the preliminary final loss the next week.

The ears of recruiters pricked up, paving the way for a spot at the Melbourne VFL affiliate.

South Croydon’s Tom Sheridan has inked a deal with Casey. Picture: South Croydon FC

“’Gawny’ came down to watch the semi-final and I probably happened to play one of my best games of senior footy when he was there,” Sheridan said.

“He ventured back to the Melbourne recruiters and they came down the next week and had a little look.

“I was lucky enough to get invited down to a pre-season … it was tough but also really rewarding as well.

“It improved myself heaps and was lucky enough to be offered a contract last Monday so I’m really looking forward to this year, whether I play at South or Casey.”

Sheridan’s semi-final performance impressed Melbourne’s Max Gawn (pictured). Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The junior product debuted in the seniors for South Croydon in 2021, playing five matches for 11 goals before the season was wiped due to COVID.

He filled bags of four goals or more on four occasions last year – including a haul of six against eventual runner-up Rowville in Round 5.

Helping the Bulldogs to third spot on the ladder, Sheridan believes the 2022 campaign signalled he belonged at the level.

“(After) just playing in the under-19s and playing a good brand of footy (in 2021), I obviously got recognised by ‘Buzz’ (South Croydon coach Marcus Buzaglo) and the coaches to play seniors,” Sheridan said.

“Playing in my first year of senior footy was a bit slow, but last year I had a really good year personally and the team did really well as well.

“You definitely come up against some ex-AFL players at clubs that you play against and I thought I fitted in really well.

“It was a good forward line working with ‘Jimmy’ Wilsen and Robbie Mallison and those boys – we all worked well and worked together with each other.”

Sheridan kicked 45 goals for South Croydon in 2022. Picture: South Croydon FC

But footy hadn’t always been the priority for Sheridan.

As a keen runner, he had been immersed in athletics as a junior but came to miss the camaraderie of Australian rules – especially playing alongside twin brother, Fraser.

“There was probably a time through juniors where I thought I’d focus on my athletics … but I ended up missing it (footy) too much so I came back and played that year and haven’t looked back since – I’m really enjoying my footy,” Sheridan said.

“I couldn’t have thought to play at a better local club (than South Croydon) and it’s in a really good position at the moment going forward.”

The former Eastern Ranges talent turns 22 next January and says his baptism of fire at senior level from the age of 19 couldn’t have prepared him any better for the leap from the ‘burbs to the state league.

“It’s a big jump and it’s a totally different brand of footy, but I sort of exposed myself to that level of footy last year and when I played five games in my first year so I’ve got a feel for it now,” Sheridan said.

“Now that I’ve taken that next step, once I hopefully get a few (VFL) games under my belt I’ll fit right in – I’m really looking forward it.”