Northern Knights’ Matthew Signorello is hoping a career-best season will land him at an AFL club next week.
Signorello successfully combined TAC Cup football with school footy to put his name in front of AFL recruiters ahead of the two drafts.
He played eight games with the Knights and just as many with Ivanhoe Grammar, performing well on both stages, including winning Ivanhoe’s best and fairest award.
He said while juggling commitments was difficult at times, the Knights made it easy to combine league and school football.
“I played every game for the school,” the Bundoora resident said. “I loved playing footy there. It’s the best atmosphere, and I played with my mates.
“The Knights handle it well with the school football. We would go into the Knights once a week and train.”
Signorello’s second season in the under-18 program didn’t start the way he wanted when he was cut from the Vic Metro squad for the AFL national under-18 carnival.
He said not making the squad was motivation to go out there and show just what he could do.
“You try so hard to make it, and when you’re cut, you are disappointed.
“I think my season was pretty good and the best football I’ve played. Both my school football and TAC Cup football was good.”
Signorello, who played junior football with West Preston Lakeside and South Morang, showed enough in his games to be chosen to attend the AFL state combine. His ability to run all day, go forward and take a mark stood out during the season.
While a shoulder injury prevented him from testing at the combine, Signorello has still had several clubs talk to him in the lead-up to the drafts.
“I’ve had a bit of interest and I’ve been talking to a few clubs,” he said.
“I’m hoping that I’ll get drafted.”
