NFL 2019: Former Sydney Swan Kyle Galloway primed to fill Northcote Park’s ruck void
Kyle Galloway hopes his decision to sign with Northcote Park will provide a springboard to relaunch his AFL career.
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Kyle Galloway hopes his decision to sign with Northcote Park will provide a springboard to relaunch his AFL career.
The 209cm former Sydney Swans rookie has joined the Cougars after playing eight games in the Western Region league with Caroline Springs last year.
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Originally from Deniliquin, Galloway was drafted as a category B rookie in 2015 and spent one season on Sydney’s list.
He returned to Victoria and played two VFL games with Werribee before linking up with the Lakers last year.
Galloway featured in the WRFL representative side and for Vic Metro, where he played alongside Northcote Park midfielder Jordan Perry, last year.
Perry, one of the Northern Football League’s premier on-ballers, provided a glowing reference for Galloway when he returned to Bill Lawry Oval.
“Jordan said to me ‘you need to speak to this guy, he’s a great ruckman’,” Cougars football manager John Matthew said.
“As coincidence would have it, I had already spoken to him. One thing led to another and he signed with us in August.”
Galloway said he was determined to have a “red-hot crack” as he eyes a return to state league level in 2019.
When Leader contacted the 22-year-old, he had just finished a series of hill sprints, highlighting his resolve to make an immediate impact in his debut season at Northcote Park.
“I am trying to have a big year,” Galloway said.
“I only played eight games last year because I took a year off. Putting in the extras.”
Alastair Punshon was the Cougars’ first-choice ruckman last season, however Galloway’s inclusion will provide the proven big man the club has craved for several years.
Jackson Starcevich (199cm) and Ash Close (199cm) will stretch opposition defences, while skipper Paul Dirago and Damian Galofaro will give coach Matt McLennan flexibility in his key-position stocks which has previously been lacking.
“We’ve gone from being too small to being at a stage where we have got to decide whether we can carry them all,” Matthew said.
A real estate agent, Galloway is preparing for jam-packed Saturdays throughout winter.
He will spend the morning hosting open houses before clashing with some of Melbourne’s best ruckmen in the afternoon.
“They are a great bunch of boys,” Galloway said.
“They really know how to balance part-time semi-professional footy and having work and families.
“They have a really good balance and understanding.”
Galloway conceded his knowledge of the NFL was limited, but was aware the league will compete for the No. 1 ranking in this year’s AFL Victoria Community Championships.
“I know it’s one of the better leagues in Melbourne,” he said.
“I think (about) Round 3 or 4, Geelong and Northern play off for the No. 1 spot.
“Hopefully I play well in the first two games and get picked for that.”
Matthew said Galloway’s ability to pinch-hit in attack would be a major bonus for the Cougars.
“He did a little bit of that with the Murray Bushrangers when he played under-18s,” he said. “The other thing is he’s super keen. He hasn’t missed a night prior to Christmas.
“He’s doing everything right. He just looks as fit as they come.
“We’re really excited. It’ll give us a ruckman, then an option to push forward.
“Then we’re going to hope he can help develop Alastair a little bit as well.”
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