GEORGE Stevens is learning on the run.
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The 16-year-old, who achieved a lifelong goal of making his senior debut for South Warrnambool in April, is being exposed to different roles through involvement at Hampden league, NAB League and Victoria Country level.
Stevens is deployed as a half-back when suiting up for the Roosters, while Greater Western Victoria Rebels opt to use him as a wingman.
To complete the picture, Stevens will line up as a key forward when he dons the famous Big V guernsey as a part of the AFL's under 17 national championships on Saturday.
"I love playing half-back because I get to use my kicking as a strength, but when I came to the Rebels I was thrown onto a wing and I learned so much from that," Stevens told The Standard.
I love playing half-back because I get to use my kicking as a strength, but when I came to the Rebels I was thrown onto a wing and I learned so much from that.
- George Stevens
"I reckon I might start forward this weekend (for Victoria Country) so I'm definitely throwing myself around.
"It's been good because you need to stay open for all positions."
The Emmanuel College student, who has also represented Victoria Country nationally as a basketballer, said he was enjoyed both sports but had prioritised football in recent times.
"I love both but it's been very hard to keep both avenues open, especially travelling up to Ballarat with the Rebels," Stevens said.
"I've sort of used basketball as a summer sport. I'm definitely still loving both of them but footy has sort of been the sole focus."
He felt his experience at national level - albeit in a different sport - would hold him in good stead.
"I think it'll help in terms of pre-match, sort of knowing what to expect," Stevens said.
"It might be a little bit different when I get out there and start the warm-up, the nerves might kick in a bit."
Hamilton Kangaroos junior Vincent Huf will also feature for Victoria Country.
Greater Western Victoria Rebels coach David Loader said the duo had performed admirably in their promotion to the program's under 19 side. He said the pair - still eligible to play NAB League under 17s - would benefit from the step up.
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Nick Ansell
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
