New Glenorchy recruit and former Collingwood rookie expecting big things of State League standard

An enforced year away from football because of COVID-19 has only fuelled the competitive beast within new Glenorchy recruit Darrean Wyatt, who is eager to make a splash in the TSL

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NEW Glenorchy recruit Darrean Wyatt has spent time on an AFL list and played in the VFL, but expects nothing less than a competitive competition in this year’s State League.

A 204cm athletic and mobile big man, Wyatt joined Collingwood as a category B rookie for the 2016 season having spent three years in the American college basketball system at Coastal Georgia.

Stints with Coburg and Frankston in the VFL followed, where he established ties with Pies coach Paul Kennedy and key defender Tom Cleary.

The duo convinced the 28-year-old to relocate to Tasmania, and Wyatt was immediately impressed with the environment he was walking into.

Darrean Wyatt Glenorchy Football Club new recruit for the 2021 season. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“From what I’ve been told of the TSL it’s a professional league in the way people go about it and the way PK goes about it, he is professional and I was blown away when I was at the club the first time,” said Wyatt, who does have a link to the state with his mum Tasmanian.

“The facilities at Glenorchy are better than most VFL clubs and that’s quite easy to say.

“I’m moving into fitness as well … I felt I needed a change and those guys were able to help with some other stuff with work they could line up.”

A self confessed “highly competitive” person, Wyatt did not play in 2020 due to COVID-19 shutting down a host of leagues in Victoria.

He spent 2019 with Noble Park in the Eastern Football League — the same club 2020 Lauderdale recruits Luke Nelson and Nathan Oakes was recruited from — and is itching to get back on the park and help the Pies become a premiership threat.

“I am a highly competitive person so not having that element in my life is something I have missed. I love competition and I hate losing.

“Talking to PK, all the reports and seeing everything that is being done in terms of training standards and the accountability there, I don’t think there is any way we will have a repeat of the last couple of seasons.

“It’s going to be a good season for the club I think.”

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