Draft hopeful Callow puts himself on ‘The Map’
His older brother had a taste of the AFL, and Tassie young gun Toby Callow did his draft chances no harm after his “outstanding” display against Queensland. Get Callow’s thoughts here.
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He may be “just old enough to drive”, but Toby Callow only enhanced his chances of following brother Jackson onto an AFL list with an “outstanding” senior debut for Tasmania.
Playing across half-back, the 17-year-old’s intercept marking and ball use were a highlight in Saturday’s 38-point defeat to Queensland at Latrobe.
His display prompted rave reviews from coach Jeromey Webberley and skipper Brad Cox-Goodyer after he passed the test of playing against men with flying colours.
“I thought I held up pretty good. Going into it I wasn’t too sure, depending on what size opponent I was on,” North Launceston’s Callow said.
“Physically I’m not as sore as I thought I’d be, so I’m pretty happy with how I went really.
“I was pretty nervous but I knew I was going to come into the game hopefully at some point. “I blended in with the boys which was really good considering I’ve only just come into it. I was happy with it and enjoyed the day.”
Effectively a tall utility, Callow has been getting opportunities at SANFL club Norwood where key forward Jackson, who played three AFL games for Hawthorn in 2022, is currently playing.
He was named the Redlegs’ best in an 18 touch, ten mark display in an under-18s clash against Glenelg last weekend.
“He (Jackson) tells me to enjoy it and don’t overcomplicate it, to just have fun,” Callow said.
“Going through the year talking to Webberley I want to introduce intercept marking into my game, and hopefully the run and drive through the middle.
“I focused on reading the ball today and was happy with how I was able to grab the ball a bit.”
Callow played in the Allies’ first game of the national championships, but was left out of their past two matches.
“Hopefully it’s a springboard to get back in, but it’s not about that. It’s about playing for the state and I really enjoyed it,” he said.
“Hopefully one day I’ll be drafted, but the process right now is to get better as an individual.”
Cox-Goodyer was impressed by Callow’s ability to read the play.
“These are what these games are for, finding someone like Kai (Cameron, Tasmania forward) and even young Toby Callow, who’s only just old enough to drive,” Cox-Goodyer said.
“Things like that are what we can take out of these games. They’re little wins for us and Tassie footy as a whole.
“His ability to read the ball and compete in the air (impressed me). He just competes for someone who’s not undersized, but coming up against senior men.
“His ability to read the ball and his running and kicking ability is right up there. Hopefully that helps get him back in the Allies next week.”
Webberley, who also coaches Callow at Coates Talent League level, named Callow one of his side’s best.
“I thought Toby Callow as a 17-year-old was outstanding, especially the first half,” he said.
“He took a couple of fantastic intercept marks and used the ball really well.”
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