EXPLOSIVE Cobden midfielder Brody Mahoney has been rewarded for driving more than 1000 kilometres a week during the off-season with a VFL contract.
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Mahoney, who lives in Colac and works as a labourer with Cobden concreting firm GreenCon on projects across the south-west, impressed North Ballarat Roosters coach Gerard FitzGerald not only with his skills but his commitment to travelling to training.
FitzGerald announced Mahoney had inked a deal to join the Roosters’ list of 36 contracted players.
FitzGerald, who kick-started his career in the Hampden league, said Mahoney possessed sought-after qualities — he’s a goal-kicking midfielder or small forward.
He said the Roosters were aware Mahoney was a highly-talented teenager with the Geelong Falcons before injuries cruelled his TAC Cup career.
But a standout season with Cobden in 2013 and some impressive performances last season prompted then-Cobden coach Stephen Hammond to call FitzGerald spruiking Mahoney’s credentials. “We will try and get him a role as a high forward, that’s where we see him playing for us,” FitzGerald said.
“Goal-kicking, lead up targets are hard to find, especially ones who find their own footy.”
Mahoney will retain his links to Cobden, returning to the red and black jumper when not playing in the VFL.
FitzGerald said the Roosters, who no longer have a reserves side, have one year to run on their alignment deal with AFL club North Melbourne, which sees the Roosters play seven or eight Kangaroos players a game.
That changes next year but Mahoney will be fighting for one of 17 spots a week filled by the Roosters-listed players in 2015.
Cobden co-coach Wayne Robertson said the Bombers were delighted for Mahoney, a popular figure at the club.
He said his elevation to the Roosters list was the culmination of a lot of hard work.
“He’s the fittest I’ve seen him,” Robertson said.
“We did nine kilometres running at training (on Monday night) and at the end he went and did another five 400s. His fitness levels are really good.” Robertson said Mahoney’s commute from Colac to work and then to Ballarat for training meant he was clocking up to 1200km a week.
“I’m rapt with the dedication he has shown and I’m rapt he got on the list,” he said.
Mahoney joined Cobden in 2013 wanting to have fun with some mates, frustrated at his two injury-interrupted years with the Geelong Falcons. He rejected offers from VFL clubs to sign with the Bombers, going on to kick three goals in Hampden’s interleague side that thrashed Sunraysia in a country championships match by 94 points.
grbest@fairfaxmedia.com.au
