Geelong on-baller Tom Atkins went from being a bona fide star of the Cats’ VFL squad to becoming an AFL regular following his second best-and-fairest gong at Kardinia Park.
And Jye Chalcraft is eyeing off becoming the next Cat to achieve that feat.
The Shepparton United product is fresh off claiming Geelong’s VFL best-and-fairest medal for the second straight year ― an impressive feat that has him knocking down the door of AFL clubs.
The 22-year-old said he used success stories such as Atkins and fellow Geelong mature-age recruit Tom Stewart to reach the “next level”.
“One hundred per cent, I love hearing and reading stories like that. It really hits home for me,” Chalcraft said this week.
“Just knowing that it could be me, it’s always good reading about guys like that. I really look up to what Tommy Atkins has been able to do. He played really good footy for three to four years in the VFL and then he got his chance.
“Hopefully that can be me one day.”
This year comprised 16 goals and an average of 21.4 disposals a game.
A highlight from his 18 games was a 33-possession outing in round six.
Chalcraft’s 2023 season may mirror his successful 2022 campaign, yet the two campaigns are worlds apart in on-field similarities.
The 180cm midfield jet, renowned for his sublime ball-winning ability, was shifted from his natural position in the centre of the ground to patrolling the inside 50 for the Cats.
Chalcraft said a plan to turn him into a small forward to catch the eyes of AFL recruiters was the reason behind his move forward of the ball.
And the skilful former Murray Bushranger loved every minute of it.
“I loved it; Overall I was pretty happy with my year considering I played in a different position to where I normally played,” Chalcraft said.
“After about eight or nine games we made the switch. I got told by a few people that I have a chance to get into the next level if I play as a small forward.
“The coaching staff liked my leading patterns and they said I was smart with my leads and my reading of the play.”
But it wasn’t a smooth transition for the junior Demon.
“It was difficult at the start and I would get a bit frustrated because you feel like you weren’t having an impact on a game,” Chalcraft said.
“I was just so used to getting my hands on the footy ... it was good to learn a new position and adapt to new things.”
When Chalcraft wasn’t starring for the Cats in the VFL, he found time to return to his roots.
The hard-nosed and tough midfielder made two appearances for Shepparton United this year ― something he said he enjoyed being able to do when he gets the chance.
“It’s great fun getting back and playing with all my mates who I grew up with,” he said.
“I love United and I always enjoy being able to play for them when I can.”
But for now, Chalcraft is only days away from diving back into his running and ramping up his fitness in the hope an AFL club comes calling.
With two best-and-fairest medals under his belt in only his third VFL season, no doubt those calls happen sooner rather than later.
“I was pretty rapt (when I won). It’s not why you play, but the recognition is nice,” Chalcraft said of the best-and-fairest triumph.
“Hopefully this does help me make that next level. That’s still my dream.”