Hisham Kerbatieh’s goal this season was to make the Calder Cannons’ squad.
Having been part of the TAC Cup club’s grand final side last year, this year was about wanting to improve his game.
He had no trouble making the squad, and soon gained attention beyond the Cannons, making the Vic Metro team and being invited to the national draft combine.
To top it off, later this month he could find himself on an AFL list.
“It wasn’t too bad a season,” Kerbatieh said last week.
“It’s been a bit of a challenging year, as we weren’t as strong as a team.
“On an individual basis, I could’ve done a bit more, kicking a few more goals. From a team aspect, it would have been good to get a few more wins.”
Kerbatieh’s biggest improvement this season has been his consistency and fitness.
The Meadow Heights resident also revelled in being a leader with the Cannons.
“At the start of the pre-season, it was about getting my fitness levels up to play a bit more in the midfield,” he said.
“I loved it and I wanted to play in the midfield more.
“I liked being in the leadership group and got to be a bit more of a leader.
“I used what I went through as a bottom-ager, and tried to implement it.”
After setting small goals in the pre-season, he was surprised he was chosen to be part of the Vic Metro team, and played five games at the national carnival.
“It was a good feeling to play for the team – a real honour.”
Kerbatieh was just as surprised to be invited to the national combine last month.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking. It was a long couple of days, with skills tests, running, psyche tests and interviews.
“It was exciting times. I had four to five clubs speak to me.”
For now it’s a waiting game until the national AFL draft on November 24.
The rookie and pre-season draft will happen three days later.
“It’s just about waiting, as I don’t know if I’ll be picked up,” Kerbatieh said.
“I’ve been training a little bit and I’ve got a trainer, who has been trying to teach me about endurance running.
“I’ll also have a little bit of time off to spend with my family.”
Kerbatieh knows that if he doesn’t get drafted it’s not the end of the world.
One of his mentors, Adam Saad, came through the VFL system before being drafted by the Gold Coast Suns.
“If I don’t get drafted, I’ll go to Coburg [in the VFL] and keep trying to get to the AFL,” Kerbatieh said.
“I’ve been lucky; Adam Saad and Bachar Houli [Richmond defender] have been my mentors this year.
“I’ve been asking them how the system works.
“They both came into the system from different avenues.”
