Liam Youl is a North Ballarat Rebels’ graduate and managed 16 games across his two seasons in the TAC Cup system.
SOUTH Warrnambool teenager Liam Youl says he’s ready for his next football challenge.
Youl, 18, will play for North Ballarat Roosters in the VFL this season.
“I’d say I’ll be in the development league but I really want to improve and see where that takes me,” he said. “I hope to play seniors but I’m not expecting anything.”
The 183-centimetre forward is a North Ballarat Rebels’ graduate and managed 16 games across his two seasons in the TAC Cup system.
Youl said his 2012 TAC Cup campaign was forgettable and he was eager to perform at a consistent level in his VFL debut season.
“I got dropped last year from Rebels and played at South,” he said.
“It wasn’t my best season but hopefully I can improve this season.
“I was a bit out of form and spots were pretty competitive last year in the TAC Cup and unfortunately I didn’t get a game towards the end of the year.”
Youl joined the Roosters pre-season in November and has trained three times a week at the Eureka Stadium-based club.
He said North Ballarat’s coaching staff had earmarked him for an attacking role.
“I’ll have to play to forward structures and play my role,” he said. “I have to keep learning from the coaches and hopefully improve.
“I reckon my fitness and strength have improved just from the workload.”
Youl is living in Ballarat with fellow Roosters recruits Dean Robertson (Redan) and Jesse Murphy (Warrack Eagles). The trio were teammates at the Rebels.
“I always wanted to get better with my footy so I tried out and was lucky enough to sign on for a year,” Youl said.
“I went to school at Clarendon college for two years and all my school mates were trying out so I thought I’d go there.”
Youl played 11 senior games for South Warrnambool in 2012 and hopes to play for his home club if he’s injury-free during VFL byes.
The VFL season starts on March 30.
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au