Schoenfeld to sizzle as a Sun

YOUNG Peel Thunder midfielder Josh Schoenfeld is packing his bags and headed to the Gold Coast, after the Suns drafted the athletic 18-year-old with pick 34 in last night’s AFL Draft.

Schoenfeld rocketed into draft contention after a remarkable National AFL Draft Combine in October, smashing a record 9:15 in the 3km time trial and going close to equalling the beep test record with a 16.2.

The skilful utility averaged 12 disposals in four games at the NAB AFL Under 18s National Championships, and was the second Western Australian picked after Callum Ah Chee (at number eight), who will join Schoenfeld at the Suns.

“I was at home watching with all the family, I was a bit nervous in the lead up, you don’t know what to expect, but to  hear my name get called out at 34 was a huge shock, I didn’t think I’d go that early and it was a bit surreal,” Schoenfeld said.

He is the second Peel youngster to enter the AFL system in as many as years, following Carlton rookie Brad Walsh last year.

Walsh and Schoenfeld both hail from the Rockingham Football Club, which emphasises the quality of talent in the local community.

“It’s huge for Rockingham Footy Club, the work they’ve done with Josh through the junior sides and the colts program last year,” Peel Development Manager John Deitz said.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for those who have worked closely with Josh, and hopefully they get to celebrate what Josh has been able to achieve.”

The hard work for Schoenfeld began at the start of the 2014 season, where he admits he lacked confidence and size to truly dominate the level.

A stint back with Rockingham helped him regain form, with the bonus being a premiership medallion as part of the Rams’ Colts side.

“I played the last five games of the year [for Peel Colts], and leading into pre-season this year I knew I what I had to improve on, and did all I could to work hard,” Schoenfeld said.

A scratch match against Claremont proved to be the turning point for the red-headed running machine, as Schoenfeld amassed 40 touches to illustrate his ability at the level.

“That was the game where I felt really comfortable, and I knew I could play high level footy, so that game really set up my year,” he said.

Schoenfeld has never been to the Gold Coast before, but is excited by the challenge of living in a new state, and moving with Under 18s teammate Ah Chee will make it easier for the pair to settle into unfamiliar surrounds.

“We were pretty close, and especially coming from WA, having two guys from WA and having a lot of Gold Coast players from WA as well will help a lot.”

For now, Schoenfeld will focus on his first pre-season as an AFL player, with the aim to earn the respect of his teammates as well as working on facets of his own game.

“The opportunity to work with the best player in the competition in Gary Ablett is stuff you dream about, I’m just so excited to get over there and get started,” Schoenfeld said.