For Harrison Coleman, the ultimate goal is playing in the AFL one day.
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The Orange Tiger is already well on his way after he was selected in the U16s GWS Giants phase one academy for the 2021/22 season.
He began playing the game just four years ago in the under 12s Tigers team.
"I first started watching it because it's a fast game, the ball is always moving and there is plenty of room to run," he said.
"It's a very enjoyable sport to play and watch. I've been fortunate enough to have some great coaches at the Orange Tigers."
Although the selection wasn't completely out of the blue, Coleman was still shocked to see his name pop up when the Giants released their squads.
"I was first nominated by my U12s coaches to participate in the Central West Giants Development Squad in 2019 after my first season," the young gun added.
"I have continued on with this squad for the past two years and the program has been great.
"I was then nominated by my squad coach Kieran Brown for the Giants Academy - Phase 1 - Pre-Season which runs twice a week in Sydney in November and December.
"It came as a total surprise, I was speechless but I am grateful to be given this opportunity and experience."
The Giants Academy Program consists of four phases, with a final squad selection to be announced at the end of the five-week phase one program.
Giants head coach Cameron Bernasconi said it would be a gruelling task.
"The standards you set yourself in this break will likely be the standards you achieve when you return to training in November," he said.
"If you're consistent with this training, you'll find you'll be consistent with your performance in Phase 1 and leading into next season."
As for what kind of player Coleman wants to be, he is still open to ideas.
"99 per cent of the time I play fullback," he said.
"I like the way Dylan Grimes plays, he's one of Richmond's defenders, but most of the time I take on the advice from my coach."
Former Tiger Matthew Brown was also selected in the U17s academy squad.
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