AFL Mid-Season Draft: Western Jets’ Massimo D’Ambrosio on his chances

The rise of Massimo D’Ambrosio to AFL hopeful has been a rollercoaster as the Point Cook junior opens up on recovering from a serious injury to finding a new home in defence.

Everything about Massimo D’Ambrosio is cool.

His name.

His attitude.

His football ability.

It’s the latter which has set tongues wagging ahead of the AFL Mid-Season Draft next Wednesday, June 1.

Many experts have tipped D’Ambrosio to be picked up by an AFL club with Hawthorn, Geelong, and Sydney rumoured to be interested in the 178cm dashing defender.

His elite kicking and decision making are just two of his attributes which are making the 19-year-old attractive to recruiters.

“(Seeing my name everywhere) is definitely something new,” D’Ambrosio said.

“I try and stay away from the socials as much as possible because I don’t want to get caught up in it all. But it can be hard because it’s everywhere with the draft so close now.”

Massimo D’Ambrosio is being touted as a top prospect. Photo: AFL Photos.

The Western Jets co-captain has been right under the nose of Richmond recruiters this season having turned out for the Tigers’ VFL program.

He then went onto play the first four games of the NAB League season with the Jets.

He has averaged 27.8 disposals, eight intercept possessions and eight rebound 50s.

But those numbers might never have occurred if D’Ambrosio wasn’t moved to halfback having predominantly played as a midfielder during his junior career with Point Cook in the Western Region league.

“One of my strengths is being able to read the play and knowing when to come off my opponent,” D’Ambrosio said.

“It allows me to see everything in front of me and I’m thankful to my coaches for giving me that opportunity.

“I’ve gone back to basics this year and said to myself I want to have fun this year and trust the work I have done.

“I’m having the time of my life out on the ground right now.”

Western Jets coach Robbie Chancellor. Photo: AFL Photos/Getty Images.

Current Jets coach Robbie Chancellor said he thought a move to defence would best suit D’Ambrosio because they played to his “attributes and strengths”.

The pair share a close relationship with Chancellor also coaching the teenager during his time at Maribyrnong College.

“We thought across halfback Massimo’s skills would be on show and he has really brought into the switch,” Chancellor said.

“His ability to get over and help teammates in the air, despite his size, and on the ground is outstanding. He’s built a really good profile as a small defender who is really hard to beat one-on-one.

“He’s one of the most empathetic and caring young men I’ve come across during my time in footy. He’s a ripping kid.

“I’m hopeful he gets an opportunity because I’ve always thought he had the ability to play at the next level.

“He showed he’s a classy player in the NAB League then he’s gone onto play some good footy in the VFL.”

Massimo D'Ambrosio during his younger days. Picture: Mark Wilson

Not everything has been as smooth sailing as this year for D’Ambrosio — where he has shone in key games including the Colgate Young Guns’ clash with the Vic Country under 18s earlier this month.

When the pandemic started in 2020, the four-time junior league best and fairest found himself battling a serious back injury which threatened to derail his draft prospects.

“It was a pretty dark time when I first did my back because I wasn’t sure what would happen,” D’Ambrosio said.

“But I was able to overcome those issues because I spoke out to the people who were closest to me and they guided me through what I needed to do.

“I put a lot of strengthening work into rehab and it continued to build from there.

“Going through those challenges is something which helped me to become the positive person I am today.”

Last weekend, D’Ambrossio played in Richmond’s VFL side against Essendon on the MCG — a curtain raiser to the Dreamtime clash.

He finished with 25 disposals in the big win.

“It’s great to be associated with such a great club,” he said.

“They’ve allowed me to keep playing my game and seeing what’s required from top level players has been a great insight.”