Wanderers Muk Muks star Beau O’Connell aims to play at Adelaide Crows in the 2021 AFL season
BEAU O’Connell is an Eagle firmly on the Crows’ radar and he strongly feels that is where he belongs.When asked if 2022 was more of a realistic goal to be playing in the AFL – instead of next year – the Wanderers star said no.In fact, the freakishly talented 19-year-old feels he could make it to the elite level inside the next 12 months.
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BEAU O’Connell is an Eagle firmly on the Crows’ radar.
And the 19-year-old is steadfast in his belief that he can be an Adelaide player in the 2021 AFL season. When asked if 2022 was more of a realistic goal to be playing at the elite level – instead of next year – the Wanderers star said no, adding he had a genuine belief he could make it inside the next 12 months.
“Next year (is my goal),” he told the NT News.
“I’ve been training with the Adelaide Crows and it was a good experience.
“They wanted me down there after the (2019-20) NTFL season up here.
“Right now I’m just focusing on playing well for Wanderers this season, and after that I’ll go back to Adelaide.”
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Playing well for Wanderers is an understatement after the gifted midfielder’s impressive showing in his team’s 32-point win over Tiwi Bombers in Round 6 action last Saturday.
One of the best on ground in his return to the Premier League after his high-performance training with the NT Thunder Academy and Adelaide, O’Connell kicked four goals, including a brilliant six-pointer on the run and just inside the 50m arc.
“It was one of those typical goals on the run which Beau is capable of kicking,” Wanderers coach Shannon Motlop said.
“His ability to finish with a goal (would hold him in good stead at AFL level) as well as his high work rate.”
O’Connell – a former Casuarina Senior College and Rostrevor College Adelaide student – said the competitive and supportive environment at Wanderers was the perfect launching pad for him as he goes about trying to crack into the AFL next year.
“The culture at Wanderers is one of the best in the NTFL,” he said.
“They really help the younger guys develop well.”
The popular O’Connell has support from all around the Territory as he strives for an AFL berth.
Former Thunder captain and St Mary’s skipper Shannon Rioli believes he is one of the most talented Territory youngsters he has seen.
And Thunder Academy coach Jason Roe said he has “the ability to kick freakish goals … with a burst of speed and great ability to read the play. He is good at the contest and is a resilient young man who goes about his business with minimal fuss”.
O’Connell has tangible proof of his ability after winning the 2019-20 Nichols Medal alongside Tigers midfielder Brodie Filo.
It is something which will always be a reminder that, indeed, he belongs at the elite level if he continues working hard.
“That was a great feeling to be recognised for all my hard work,” O’Connell said.
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