There’s something in the water at Shepparton Swans when it comes to transitioning from a soccer background to football.
In recent years the cross-code conversion of former Goulburn Valley Sun turned Adelaide gun Josh Rachele has gone swimmingly, but there’s another Swan who is certainly not treading water after shifting from the world game to the nation’s darling sport — and his name is Ben Gilberto.
An ex-goalkeeper who is putting his size to use in the ruck this season, Gilberto is one of few locals who can say he has spent time in the trenches with professionals of each code.
At the Swans, he is currently mixing it with past North Melbourne players Jamie Macmillan, Nathan Hrovat and Sam Wright.
At the Suns, Gilberto donned the gloves for the star-studded under-16 side line-up which featured Newcastle United’s Garang Kuol and Melbourne City’s James Nieuwenhuizen.
The progression from round ball to Sherrin has been as smooth as silk for the 19-year-old, and it’s been a decision which has helped him in the long run as he grows into his second year of senior footy.
“I grew up with footy; I did Auskick and half of primary school was spent playing footy, but I lent more into soccer,” he said.
“I started out with Shepp South and slowly moved to GV Suns as I got into high school and became a goalkeeper, and made the transition after that.
“I played full-back for Assumption (College) when I went there, so putting that aspect in and being able to see the whole field while you’re playing is very similar to soccer and giving instructions out to your half-backs, even kicking as well.
“I’m mainly renowned for how I can kick it ― around 50 or 60 (metres) ― and the vision and how everything is played, it’s similar terminology, so I’ve definitely carried over a few attributes.”
Gilberto, as rangy as he is, can comfortably play as a forward, utilising that monster boot of his.
He exhibited his kicking skill set against Echuca by booting two of his side’s five majors during a tough loss in round four against the dominant Murray Bombers.
But with the Swans not recruiting a ruckman in the off-season, Gilberto’s usual post for the first five games of the Goulburn Valley League season has involved going toe-to-toe with the competition’s behemoths.
The learning curve has been steep at times, but the teen has a wealth of knowledge around him which he’s tapping into like there’s no tomorrow.
“Sam Wright in training and practice matches, he’s shown me a bit of stuff,” Gilberto said.
“With playing forward, although I’m playing ruck for this season, he’s pretty knowledgeable with his past history.
“Even a few other boys like Rat (Nathan Hrovat) and Preecey (Tom Preece), they’re really knowledgeable – ask them a question and they’re happy to explain it. It’s been awesome.
“This year I’d love to just soak up as much as I can, definitely be more confident with my pack marks and take my game up a bigger step and try and see how far I can get out of it.
“(I’m only) a couple of years in, so it’s obviously going to take a bit of time, but I just want to keep playing footy and enjoy it.”
It’s been a tough old graft for Gilberto and the Swans this season with one win to their name.
Being a young player in a fairly green side comes with its hoops to jump through, however, there’s a steely resolve within the camp at Princess Park which losing has not yet dented.
“We are a young side, so everyone’s pretty close together; everyone is really friendly since we’re all mates and pretty much the same age,” he said.
“We’re definitely putting up a fight every game, but we’ve had a tough draw the last five games and even future to come with Seymour this weekend.
“But hopefully after the interleague bye it’ll probably be a bit better, we’ll have a smoother run and hopefully get a few wins on the board.”