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A whole new ball game

08 Sep, 2010 05:00 AM
First-year Warrnambool Plover Jack Aulsebrook is the perfect poster boy for one of the south-west's best emerging sport clubs.

The team has gone from Victorian Rugby Union struggler to competition benchmark in a matter of three seasons.

This Saturday, the Plovers will confront Melbourne in the division two C grade grand final.

Two major keys to their rapid improvement have been recruitment and persistence.

While the side competes with weekend favourites, such as football and soccer, it has still managed to attract strong numbers to proudly represent the region.

Teenager Aulsebrook is one of the club's biggest success stories in its short history.

The 18-year-old made the switch from AFL to rugby union this year.

After a handsome junior career with Warrnambool Football Netball Club, Aulsebrook said he was keen to play another sport.

"I just wanted to try something different," he said.

"Everyone was really welcoming and the comradery is really good.

"There's not as much running, it's more (based on) power and strength."

The agile Auslebrook has gone from the back pocket on the football oval to the wing on the rugby field.

His body has also adapted to the new discipline.

He has bulked up after several sessions in the weight room and has suffered some inevitable injuries on match day.

"I've been going to the gym more, so I've put on a few kilos," Aulsebrook said.

"The game is a lot more physical, you can get hurt more easily.

"The main thing that has helped me has been my ball handling and speed.

"But I'm still learning the game."

The former Emmanuel College pupil has contributed two tries for the season.

However, his maiden journey across the line was not met with the expected jubilation.

"I broke my ribs doing it," he said.

"So I was in a bit of pain.

"But it was a good feeling the second time."

The Plovers finished the season with two losses, one of which was against Melbourne.

However, a five-point win over the metropolitan side two weekends ago was enough to secure the club's first spot in a grand final.

Aulsebrook said pressure would be on the back row to perform this weekend.

"Everyone works really well together," he said.

"We've got good forwards and quick backs.

"If you can get the ball out to the backs a bit more you can score tries easier."

Aulsebrook hoped the Plovers' would secure more local support after its stellar season.

He said the club was already on the hunt for more players for next year.

"Everyone is really excited," Aulsebrook said.

"Everyone is pumped up and looking forward to this

weekend."

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Date: Newest first | Oldest first
All the best to the Plovers on the weekend, I hope they do Warrnambool proud.
Posted by bea, 10/09/2010 5:50:53 PM, on The Warrnambool Standard

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Jack Auslebrook is one of the new breed of rugby players preparing for this weekend's grand filan with the Warnambool Plovers.
Jack Auslebrook is one of the new breed of rugby players preparing for this weekend's grand filan with the Warnambool Plovers.

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