SFNL: Murrumbeena’s Dareo Rogers builds state-league ambitions with interleague appearance

After a harsh lesson and some steady guidance, Murrumbeena’s Dareo Rogers is winning plaudits for his swift emergence as he harbours ambitions to play at a higher level.

Dareo Rogers (right) with Murrumbeena teammate Sam Michael.

There’s a “fuel to the fire” of Dareo Rogers.

The energetic mid-forward out of Murrumbeena has emerged as an exciting up-and-comer in the Southern league.

Rogers had an ‘almost day’ representing the Southern league on Saturday, kicking 0.3 and being called to play on right before the siren.

He took assurance out of his dangerous moments, confident he can manage the step up if given the opportunity.

“I think it was just not settling, I probably rushed a bit – it’s not nerves – I think I get too excited, there’s probably a bit of maturity in that,” he said.

“Hopefully (I can get to) the next level – VFL. I truly believe I can be there and in the future, I think given the opportunity I will do what’s best.

“I have felt like I have earned the respect of the boys in this (interleague) and it gives me the opportunity to side angle.

“These are great moments, I have loved doing this over the last four weeks.

“I have met some great boys, some great coaches, I have just loved it.”

Dareo Rogers marks the ball on a lead. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Rogers missed out on the Lions’ grand final last year after a third yellow card for the season triggered a one-week suspension.

He admits missing out “still hurts” but says it’s “fuel to the fire” of his ambitions to play VFL.

“I don’t regret anything from it, I think you learn from it,” he said.

“It still hurts in the belly but it’s been a bit of fuel to the fire, I am ready to go in the right direction.

“I have good support around me with Jordy Pollard and coach Michael Kinsella.”

Rogers believes his leadership and pressure are his strengths but thinks they’ve grown this year as he harnesses a new goal.

“I have always had that but I feel hungrier to hunt for my team, I love the one percenters, I love those tackles in heated moments that spark our team up,” he said.

“I feel like it’s added another string to my bow so I can hopefully go on.”

Rogers playing for Murrumbeena. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

As for what stands between he and his state-league goal, Rogers knows where he must improve.

“Some would say height,” he joked.

“But these days it’s probably not like that anymore.

“I think it’s a bit of game awareness at times, knowing where to be positioned in the moments to put myself in an opportunity to impact.

“I think that comes with maturity and development, I will set myself around the right people to do that.”

Rogers said he would “absolutely” be back for interleague next year if given the chance.