DRAFTEE Harry O’Farrell spoke after being the ‘unlikely hero’ in the Carlton Reserves’ first win of the season.
PHOTO CREDIT: Mitch Peterson
Speaking post-match, the 18-year-old was incredibly chuffed to – above all else - get his first win in the Navy Blue.
“It was awesome to finally get one on the board, all the boys are up and about. It’s deserved, we’ve been working really hard.”
Selected as a key defender at pick No.40 in the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft, his first three games saw him play a key defensive role in the back half.
That was until the dying stages of the fourth quarter, where O’Farrell was strategically swung forward to provide a key option late in the game.
Moments later, the decision was vindicated when the third gamer set sail from 45 metres out to put the Blues up by four points.
“Luke Power sort of just yelled at me and told me to go forward. I had a bit of space and luckily Frankie Evans hit me up,” O’Farrell said.
The defender is actually no stranger to kicking match-winning goals, producing the same result for St Kevin's against rivals Xavier College in APS football two years ago.
When asked about what was going through his head leading into the clutch set shot, he brushed it off. The youngster said he wasn’t phased by the pressure and significance of moment, but rather backed in his goal-kicking ability.
“’Gaz’ [fellow draftee Harry Charleson] and I usually work on it: it was good result.”
Coming off the back of a tough two-point loss last week, he said this week’s win came down to down to the team’s camaraderie and determination.
“We were just supporting each other. We felt really well connected today: even when it got tough to a few goals down in the last, we just kept at it and we were able to come home with the choccies.”
Touching on his introduction to the footy club as a whole, he was all praise for his teammates and coaches.
“It’s been great, all the boys have been awesome. They welcome you in and treat you like a brother,” he said.
“A few of the AFL boys have been helping me out a fair bit plus the coaches as well… it’s been fun as.”
And while he was revelling in the joys of his first win for the Blues, he was quick to turn his attention to the coming weeks, shifting his focus to what is required going forward.
“You just go at it during the week, and work on your weaknesses - we’ve been building. It was a good week this week, and a good week last week as well. But to finally get one on the board I think it’ll really get the boys’ spirits up.
“We've just got to keep building and hopefully get a few more wins on the board.”
Jaspar Wilson-Keir is a student at La Trobe University, undergoing his Bachelor of Media and Communications (Journalism and Marketing). He is currently undertaking an internship at the Carlton Football Club as part of its partnership with La Trobe University.
