Kesyborough dasher Riet Pal picks up a preseason with Collingwood VFL

Inexperienced but talented, Keysborough’s Riet Pal will do a preseason with Collingwood’s VFL team.

WHEN Riet Pal followed a friend to Keysborough in 2017, he hadn’t played football for six years.

In fact, his experience amounted to one season, with an Under 12 team.

But with his pace, leap and skills he has risen quickly at Keysy, finishing third in the best and fairest this year.

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Now, given a push-up by teammate and former AFL ruckman Chris Bryan, the 20-year-old has been invited to Collingwood VFL’s pre-season, which starts on Thursday.

Riet Pal finished third in Keysy’s best and fairest this year.

Keysborough coach Matthew Ferguson said it was a great opportunity for Pal.

“We’re all excited for him. It’s been a pretty remarkable journey for him, the last couple of years,’’ he said.

“When he came down he’d played one year of junior footy. The first night we saw him we thought, ‘Gee, there’s something special here’.

“To get this opportunity at Collingwood is a fantastic reward for a fantastic kid. He’s as good as you get, quiet and unassuming. He just wants to learn, that’s the best thing about him. Wants to be the best he can and have a crack at the best standard.’’

Ferguson said Pal, 190cm, “could play anywhere’’.

“He virtually has played every position on the ground — he has rucked, played back, played forward, played on the wing, played midfield. He’s a real Mr Fix It. I’ve said it countless times: I’d love to have two or three of him, one in the midfield, one in the forward line, one down back. You’d be travelling pretty well if that was the case.

“He’ll put his best foot forward and be better for it regardless of whether he makes their list.’’

Ferguson said that while Pal’s athleticism was a standout, “he’s also just about the best tackler in our team’’.

“It’s like a bear hug. He manages to get arms, legs, everything wrapped around his opponent. They’re going nowhere. I’ve seen him stop some big boys in their tracks.’’

Bryan, who has picked up a role with Collingwood’s Next Generation Academy, is a fan of Pal, believing he can go to a higher level of football.

Meanwhile, Bryan has recommitted to Keysborough for 2019.

The ex-Carlton and Collingwood big man enjoyed a superb year, winning the best and fairest, kicking 80 goals and taking a handful of spectacular marks.

Bryan has won three best and fairests since returning to his junior club.