NFL 2019: Teenage forward Samuel Indian ready to make impact with Whittlesea
Samuel Indian exploded onto the scene with 36 goals in 11 senior games for South Morang last season. His new club has high hopes for the developing key forward.
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Samuel Indian exploded onto the scene with 36 goals in 11 senior games for South Morang last season.
The teenage forward played with a swagger which belied his inexperience, bagging six goals in a cutthroat semi-final against Laurimar.
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Indian patrolled the forward 50 at Whittlesea Showgrounds with a purpose in that match and Eagles officials clearly took notice.
The key forward has joined Whittlesea for 2019, headlining a group of eight rising stars under 20 who have signed with the Northern Football League club.
“He just looks like a natural forward and he will only get better,” Eagles coach Blair Harvey said.
“His best football is three or four years away, but if his natural progression keeps going, I believe he will go on to play better football than our level.
“He’ll end up playing VFL football, which he has got aspirations to do. He’s a really good prospect for us.”
The Eagles have also signed midfielder Jye Adamson (Berrigan), key defender Lachlan Beattie (Yea), Blake Fitzgerald (South Morang), Harrison Jarvie (Yea) and Brody Bell, who played 22 games with Northern Knights in the past two seasons.
“If we’re going to build something, you have got to grow it from within,” Harvey said.
“For that reason, we want to blood the kids and get games into them.
“So, if we are lucky enough to get back into first division in the near future, our guys are prepared.
“By the time we get there they may be 20 years old and have played 2-3 years of senior football.”
Whittlesea will field a youthful side in Division 2 after the departures of former skipper Andrew Fairchild, Chris Horman (both Kinglake) and Jai Robinson (Montmorency), but Harvey will not be willing to settle for a season of development.
“I would be disappointed if we’re not in the top-two,” he said.
“We’ve set our standards pretty high and we have put pressure on ourselves.
“We’re looking to play finals, without a doubt.”
The Eagles play practice games against Wangaratta Rovers, Grovedale and Old Camberwell before facing Epping in Round 1 on April 6.
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