Q & A with Logan Austin

Football in the ACT has been on a steady rise recently with the introduction of the Canberra Demons to the NEAFL, the Manuka Green project, and the prominence of the GWS Giants Academy in the ACT. I sat down with current Port Adelaide defender and former Canberran, Logan Austin to ask him about the future of AFL in the the capital.

New year, New deal. @Austin3Logan commits for another two years: https://t.co/7qiPjuJdKL #weareportadelaide pic.twitter.com/G0B45wSz6e

— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) February 24, 2016

Q. What were your immediate thoughts after you found out that Port Adelaide had picked you up in the NAB AFL Draft?

A. Just really excited. You put in a lot of hard work and for a club like Port Adelaide to give you an opportunity is really rewarding. It’s a moment I won’t forget.

Q. What impact, if any, do you think being a part of the GWS Giants PM Capitals Academy program had on your professional career?

A. It had a big impact on me. The coaches, the academy use, are great at what they do and fast track you as a player. It also meant I played more NEAFL games for UWS Giants (GWS Giants Reserves) which helped me get drafted.

Q. How did you handle the disappointment of not being nominated by the GWS Giants (as an academy player) prior to the 2014 National Draft?

A. At the time I was a little disappointed, but in saying that so were a few other Giants academy players. It just meant I was a little more nervous on draft night but it’s all worked out well.

Q. Do you think Canberra based footballers are getting the exposure they need to help pursue a career in the AFL?

A. With the Giants Academy working with the players in region it will fast track them to play NEAFL footy a bit quicker and therefore have a higher chance to be noticed by recruiters. The exposure is definitely better and the region is looked at closely now.

Q. What affect did playing NEAFL for the Belconnen Magpies, prior to being drafted by Port Adelaide, have on your professional career?

A. It was really important for me. John Harper had a huge influence on me at Belconnen. The culture was good and I certainly learnt how to play against the men in the NEAFL.

Q. How do you feel about the $800 million Manuka Green proposal to the ACT government, which would turn StarTrack oval into a international-standard facility?

A. It’s a great idea, would love to see more international cricket and more AFL games played there.

Q. Do you think it will have an impact on the sport of Aussie Rules in Canberra?

A. Yeah I do. If you build it, they will come. AFL is growing in the area.

Q. Will we be seeing more ACT based footballers being drafted in the near future?

A. I think so, the talent just continues to grow and there is a competitive second tier competition.