IT is a dream that for Darcy Fort took him across the South Australian border and back again.
On Saturday that dream will become reality when he becomes the 1087th player to represent Geelong at VFL/AFL level when the Cats host the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium.
Overlooked at the 2012 National Draft despite impressing at the Geelong Falcons, Fort chased his dream at VFL clubs Werribee and Footscray, and then with SANFL team Central District.
“There were more than a few times where I sat down and said, “is this what I really want?”,” Fort, who at 204cm will become the fourth tallest Cat ever, said.
“But running out on the training track even at SANFL level, that gave me so much joy.
“Footy was what I loved, and to play it at the highest level is such a great opportunity.
“To be playing footy and training footy every day, I’m so lucky.”
It was at Central Districts over the last three years where Fort came to prominence, culminating in representing the SANFL against the WAFL last year.
His form also piqued the interest of the Cats, who claimed the South Barwon product with pick No.65 in last year’s National Draft.
Fort impressed enough over pre-season to play both JLT Series matches, where he spent time both in the ruck and up forward and was able to learn some valuable lessons.
“Just being able to pick up the pace of the game, and seeing what some of those elite ruckmen and defenders do,” he said.
“Playing on (Jeremy) McGovern and seeing how he reads the ball and just puts himself in the best position every chance he gets.
“And being able to be in the game and the pressure of the moment, I think will leave me in good stead for tomorrow (Saturday).
Having been named as an emergency on several occasions, Fort knew he was getting closer to a debut.
“It’s always on your mind when you’re an emergency, and you’re waiting right up until the bounce to see if anything happens,” he said.
“But, going back to what’s worked for me in the past, if I’m playing VFL, I’m just trying to play well and try and ignore everything else that is going on.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
