By ADEM SARICAOGLU
BRETT Bewley’s had a rough time in the TAC Cup to date, but the 18-year-old’s fortunes seem to be turning with only a handful of games left in 2013.
In 2012, the former Darley junior broke his collarbone in his first preseason game and as a result could only manage eight games with the Western Jets after more than a two-month layoff.
Things then started to look more promising when Bewley was given co-captaincy of the Jets for 2013 alongside good friend Harrison King, but a broken hand again forced the Bacchus Marsh youngster to the sidelines.
The timing of that incident – the result of a training mishap – meant Bewley couldn’t trial for Vic Metro selection earlier in the year.
“Obviously, everyone wants to play for Vic Metro in their top-age year, but I didn’t really dwell on it, because you play footy and if you get injured, you get injured,” Bewley said.
“It’s not like you can change what’s happened, so I just got my head around what happened and just moved on, just started looking toward when I was coming back and what I was going to do to try and take my footy forward and not dwell on the past.”
Since his on-field return in mid-May, Bewley has made some significant inroads.
In his nine games for the Jets since he recovered from his busted hand, Bewley has consistently delivered good performances and just this weekend was part of the successful St Patrick’s College team that claimed yet another Herald Sun Shield at the MCG.
“I’ve just gained more confidence with playing school footy and been working pretty hard with Adam Skrobalak, one of the coaches down at the Jets, which has helped take my footy forward,” Bewley said.
Jets coach Torin Baker last week revealed Bewley as one of three Jets to receive an invitation to the state draft combine later this year, and praised Bewley’s steely resolve to get back into draft contention throughout the second half of the year.
“He’s a really driven person who’s just got a real desire to get the most out of his footy,” Baker said.
“Right from when he’s entered the program, he’s always been one who’s just made sure he’s put in in every area and it’s led to him really improving his footy.”
With the Jets still in the running for a top four finish, in the TAC Cup Bewley will have plenty to keep himself busy with over next few months, and for now that’s all he wants to worry about.
“Everyone hopes to get drafted, but it’s not really in your hands whether you get picked or not,” he said.
“All you can do is put some good form on the track and if you get picked, you get picked.”
