World Footy News

Jumping to this year and we shift focus to suburban Melbourne.

WFN : In 2011, this season, you’ve come to Melbourne and you’re playing with Avondale Heights in the powerful Essendon District Football League. It’s a tremendous credit to you that you’ve played all games so far in the seniors, and more so that from Round 4 to 12 inclusive, you’d only missed out on the media reported best six on two occassions, and snagging 5 goals along the way – we must assume you’ll be polling well at the B&F count.

DW : To be Playing at Avondale Heights in the EDFL is once again another achievement that I am very proud of. To come into an A-Grade club and to be in the EDFL – the best district league in Australia, is something I never thought would happen; at the first training session I attended I barely lasted 30mins, cramping 4 times, out of breath and so many more things happened.. I thought getting a game in the seniors was a long shot. But I guess I’ve been able to improve over the pre-season and playing all 12 games so far is an honour. Getting named in the media report every other week is comforting knowing that I’m getting somewhere with my football but the first thing is to help the team out. Getting five goals is just a plus. (A fluke I reckon). People say things about the B&F count but I ain’t (sic) worried about that.

WFN : You’re coached by triple AFL premiership star Chris Johnson (who also has played a part in coaching the World 18 Under 16s just recently as well as involvement with the Flying Boomerangs – and recently announced as reappointed as playing coach for seasons 2012-13 at Avondale Heights). What roles have you been playing at Avondale Heights and what are some of your observations from playing in the EDFL.

DW : To have a coach such as Chris is just a real privilege and honour. I owe him all the credit in helping me build and improve my footy. I really can’t say enough about Chris and all the other coaches that have helped me. Yes we always laugh saying how the South Pacific’s are better than the World team, but on his return from Sydney, I will never stop hearing about how they beat us.

At Avondale I have played Back Pocket, which I played the first four rounds in, but have been playing On Ball since then.. also forward pocket when I need to rest . EDFL is a great league and you really have to be crazy to play this league but to have played against former AFL greats and champions is a very good experience. EDFL is a very hard and great league to improve your footy and also see the level in which some of the best teams of the country play at. It also helps anyone wanting to make AFL one day see where they are at in terms of their footy.

WFN : Given the recent announcement of GWS of signing a number of new international scholarship players (Yoshi Harris(Nauru), Charlton Brown (NZ) and Theo Gavuri (PNG), and rumours of others), the obvious question must be asked as to whether you’ve received any interest from AFL clubs?

DW : Good on them and (I’m) very proud that I have had the privilege of playing alongside Yoshi (who I have a very good friendship with and (he) has stayed at my house in Fiji); Theo who is an absolute gun and I played with in last year’s cup and also to Charlton who I met in Tonga.

But I would not be able to answer that question as I do not have a clue. My mentors Chris and Andrew would be the people to ask about that but that’s just the challenge given to me to get better at my footy and then the rewards will come. I remain hopeful that it will all happen one day.

WFN : Fellow ‘international’, GWS rookie listed Bayanda Sobetwa (RSA), has managed 6 senior games this year and 7 reserve matches alongside you at Avondale Heights, meanwhile, David Meli (PNG) has been playing at Aberfeldie.

DW : Bayanda Sobetwa is my one of three best mates and BROTHERS. He has a great story behind him that touched me and I’m again proud to be able to know and play with him. He is by far the funniest guy Ive ever known and his presence is just felt around the club, he never stops smiling and I always have a sore stomach after having a laugh with him.

I never got to play against David as he didn’t play for Abers that day but the next couple rounds we will see when we meet again, an outstanding player.

WFN : You've also been pretty close to some interesting storylines. You began the season playing alongside Karmichael Hunt’s girlfriend's brother in Scott Harding who actually claimed the headlines for himself when revealing being awarded a scholarship to play for the University of Hawaii as a wide receiver.

DW : Scott Harding has been the biggest help to me at the club behind Chris. From the first game I saw him play on ball, I just said to myself, I really want to be able to play and be like him. His knowledge and skills is something that has been inspiring me. To have someone on the side encouraging and as skilful as him is just an absolute privilege. I’ve never seen anyone fend off so many players. I hope he goes well and wish him all the best in Hawaii.

WFN : You also played against Aberfeldie the week that Jason Akermanis made his EDFL appearance, whether more circus than serious could be argued, but, whilst many might have been solely focussed on ‘Aker’, you went about your business with a goal and listed as 2nd best for your side.

DW : The “AKER” day was a blast of an experience. I actually couldn’t stop thinking about how I’m going to shut down Aker the whole week. But Scott just told me to calm down and just play my natural game; but much credit goes to my other Indigenous brother, Christopher Gordon, who played on him most of the day. I actually couldn’t believe I was playing on and against Damian Peverill, who was an idol for me when playing with Essendon, just so controlled and calm. But playing on Aker when I got the chance was great; just showed the level he was at.

And in closing

DW : To end, I am very proud I’ve come from Fiji and have been able to make my presence felt at Avondale and in the EDFL. I hope it will continue.

WFN thanks Avondale heights FC and Dylan Wolfgramm for their cooperation. We wish Dylan all the best in both the International Cup starting next week as well as any other opportunities that come his way. It should be noted that since the interview, Dylan has played rounds 13 and 14 against Keilor and Craigieburn which included a further 2 goals bagged against Keilor.

Also, of interest, this weekend sees former AFL champion and North Melbourne dual day and dual night premiership captain Wayne Carey make his ‘come back’ debut for Maribyrnong Park, interestingly, like Akermanis, also against Avondale Heights. And so once again a large crowd is likely to pack a suburban Melbourne ground watching a former star but perhaps oblivious to the exploits of players like Dylan plying their trade a long way from home.