The Northern Knights and AFL Victoria are hoping the launch of a new multicultural and indigenous development squad will provide an alternative pathway for young footballers into the TAC Cup system.
The squad, dubbed the David Zaharakis squad after the Greek-heritage, former Northern Knights, now Essendon AFL star, was launched two weeks ago.
It’s for young footballers in the Knights region with a multicultural or indigenous background and is the third squad of its type, following the launch of the Majak Daw squad through the Western Jets and the newly formed Jimmy Toumpas squad with the Dandenong Stingrays.
AFL Victoria engagement manager Xavier Moloney said there was a mixture of players with experience and boys with little footballing experience looking to get on to the Knights’ list.
“We’re hoping to eventually get some of these players on AFL and VFL lists,” he said.
“We had a come-and-try day in July and 44 boys attended so there’s a lot of interest.
“Zaharakis adds to the squad with star appeal and he has been great. He won’t just be a name, he’ll participate in running and training sessions.”
Phiv Demetriou has been appointed coach of the squad.
“It’s mainly about developing the players’ fundamental skills,” Demetriou said.
“For some it’s a second chance and they may improve enough to get on to the Northern Knights’ list next year.
“It’s positive for the region and a great idea, allowing players to get to the level they need to so they can play at a high level and for others to get them into clubs in the Northern Football League.”
The first two sessions had 16 boys at each.
Their backgrounds include Somalia, Scotland, Italy, Sierra Leone and Lebanon, and there were several indigenous boys.
“Some haven’t played with local teams and they already had springs in their steps after two sessions,” Demetriou said.
“We can’t do it all at once. It’s about seeing how they develop.
“We’ll put them through a solid program and see where it can take them, whether it be part of the Northern Knights or just an NFL club.”
Tara Murray
