By Matt Fotia
Excitement is currently overriding the nerves for North Ringwood’s 16 year old debutant Harry Flynn ahead of his Saints senior debut tomorrow against an inform Doncaster East at home.
Flynn’s rise to selection has been a quick one, with the junior star catching the eye of senior coach Robin Nahas on the training track over the past few weeks, after he only joined the senior squad at his own request in recent times, seeking a higher level of training intensity after a summer with Eastern Ranges.
“Once I got back from Eastern I started training with the Under 17’s and a few people said that I should have a crack with the seniors as well, so I went down to a couple of sessions and introduced myself to Robbie,” Flynn said during his Friday school recess.
Nahas was impressed with Flynn’s efforts and after a conversation with the ex Tiger and Kangaroo, Flynn decided to put his hand up for selection.
“And after a couple of sessions I thought why not and put my hand up for selection and they picked me,” Flynn continued.
Flynn with Senior Coach Robin Nahas https://t.co/yCOW3YaOxs pic.twitter.com/lu0MU1Z1Vu
— Matt Fotia (@fotiamatt) April 29, 2021
Flynn has been a strong performer for a number of years at the junior levels, representing the league in the Vic Metro Interleague Championships at both Under 14 and Under 15 level, was part of the successful Victorian Under 15 side at the 2019 National Championships and was selected in the 25 player All Australian Squad.
He’s also a talented cricketer, having represented Vic Metro at Underage level.
Despite this impressive CV, he’s still noticed a step up in the level of intensity and ability at the senior level, and that’s just been at training.
“It’s definitely a step up in intensity and professionalism, but it’s great, it’s really good fun.”
Flynn, will play on the opposing half back flank to his senior coach, who had 36 disposals in Round One against Norwood, said that the Saints haven’t put too much thought into their opposition this weekend – Doncaster East – with most of their chats on Thursday Night about how they can best attack the fixture and put some good numbers on the board, as they search for their first win in season 2021.
“We haven’t spoken much about them, our game plan is to attack from the start and try catch them on the hop, rather than getting into a tussle,”
“I’m playing off a half back flank and Robbie’s told me to just run forwards, get a kick and set up a few scores for us.”
The 2019 Under 15A joint League Best and Fairest winner will wear the number 52 when he runs out for his 121st North Ringwood game tomorrow and whilst he’s still currently running off the adrenaline, he expects a few extra nerves to pop up as the first siren approaches.
“There’s a few butterflies in the stomach, but it’s more excitement at the moment, but I’m sure when the balls balled up tomorrow, I’ll be pretty nervous.”
