World Footy News

It has been almost a year since World Footy News posted an article about the journey of four young indigenous footballers from Cairns and Torres Strait and their respective pathways to Australian Rules football (see From Paradise To The Pinnacle Of Success).

Since that time, Josh, Nathaniel, Henry and Leo have travelled further along their paths. Some have enjoyed success, changed clubs, done it tough or developed other parts of their lives. But no matter what, their eyes are firmly fixed on the path being blazed by another of their friends…one with a name that already stands out, and may soon have a playing resume to match: Didymus Blanket.

At a recent combine screening day at St Andrew’s College in Cairns I was able to arrange for an interview with Didymus as he sets his compass towards the possibility of selection at the AFL National Draft in 2015.

Didymus is a humble young man, but he certainly has a drive and direction that could be the prototype for other Torres Strait islander kids, and other indigenous players from Cairns to Cape York, to follow.

The region is attracting more and more attention from AFL recruiters after the success of Cairns players like Jarrod Harbrow and Charlie Dixon (Gold Coast Suns), Peter Yagmoor (Collingwood), Sam Michael (Brisbane) and Courtney Dempsey (Essendon). There are also Townsville products Josh Hall (Gold Coast Suns) and Jake Spencer (Melbourne) as well as Mackay junior David Armitage (St Kilda.) There have also been a host of others come and go in recent years.

Young and gifted players in the North Queensland region are watching to see if they, too, can reach the big time. Didymus, and another super northern talent, Isaac Rokeby, are the ones most kids are watching. If these two make it, others will grow extra legs and follow in their footsteps.

I asked Didymus a series of questions which give an insight into his background, his present and his future

What were your earliest memories of childhood back home?

“My earliest childhood memories are ones that I will cherish for lifetime. [They include] as a little tacker running around crazy on the islands with cousins doing all sorts of stuff. [We also enjoyed] going out hunting on the sea and on land with my dad and my uncles. [We also loved to] kick back with the cousins, have a good laugh and play some footy. I always had a footy whether it was a rugby ball or AFL. I always had to carry a footy around wherever I went.”

When did you first get introduced to AFL?

“I first got introduced to AFL Auskick when I was around 9-10 years old. Since then footy has been a big part of my life so far.”

[Ed: Didymus was also one of the kids who fell under the tutelage of legendary junior coach and teacher Dave Maddock-Jones. Dave has introduced the game to many young indigenous kids across Torres Strait and Cape York, opening up pathways and opportunities. It was Dave who instigated moves to offer Didymus the scholarship that sees him currently attending Scotch College in Melbourne to fulfil his academic and sporting dreams.]

How difficult has it been to change your life path?

“It has been very, very challenging, even mentally and physically as well. But then again also, I've always had the desire of becoming a professional athlete and would do anything to make my dreams come true. Whether it's eating less turtle and dugong, I'll do the little things right to give myself the full ability to perform very well and to [give wholly] what's required to become a professional athlete.”

What are your goals from here outside of footy?

“I haven't really thought about it at this stage.”

How far do you want to go in AFL?

“[I want to go as far and] as high as possible, where my talent, work rate and desire can take me to.”

Do you have heroes or role models?

“Not really. I mean I just had the passion to become a pro athlete. Back when I was a little kid running around [I was] fascinated by most thing. I always saw the off field side of a pro athlete with the fancy houses and awesome cars. It was something I aspired to as well. But I didn’t really have anyone I looked up to. Someone who I generally look up to is Sonny Bill Williams (Rugby League and Union player). He is an amazing athlete but not only that he is an outstanding person of field with how he treats and handles himself and others. He is also a big family person. I am also someone who is very big on the family side of things and it being my number one priority.”

Do you have a message for other kids thinking of following a similar pathway?

“Just to back yourself, do what whatever it takes make your dreams come to reality. Hard work comes with big rewards and is something I really ponder myself. Also you can't change anything just back yourself, and natural talent will look after itself. Everyone has talent, but talent will only take you so far then the rest is all hard work. With that in mind, use your strengths to the best of your ability and I can assure great things will happen.”

With such a great role model to follow, it will not surprise to see an increase in Torres Strait Islander players in coming years. Didymus is a fine young man who is blazing the trail for others to follow.

Watch out for him in the 2015 AFL National Draft. I certainly expect to see his name there somewhere.

BELOW: Didymus in action for Scotch College in the APS School Footy competition.