Williamstown's David makes Goliath strides

[Dale61]

http://www.leadernews.com.au/article/2008/05/27/35833_vfl_story.html

DAVID Stretton may be only a little fella but he's making a big impression on the VFL in 2008.

Playing with greater self-confidence, the pacey, 176cm, 74kg wingman from Williamstown has taken his game to new heights this season to become one of the most improved players in the competition.

Languishing in the Seagulls' reserves less than two years ago, just how far the 21-year-old's game has come was highlighted last week when he was named in the 36-man VFL representative squad.

"It was a bit of a shock to be honest," Stretton told the Leader of his selection. "Even though I've been in pretty good form, I didn't think I was much chance of making that."

Stretton is in elite company, one of six Seagulls to make the squad, alongside fellow midfielder and skipper Brett Johnson, experienced backman Jason Cloke, young forwards Dean Galea and Patrick Rose and ruck/tall defender Scott Meyer.

Teammates Ben Jolley and Liam Picken missed out.

The final line-up that will take on the SANFL this Saturday at the Adelaide Oval will be announced tonight (Tuesday).

Stretton, who won the Todd Medal in 2006 as the VFL reserves best and fairest, played 12 of a possible 20 senior games for the Seagulls in 2007.

In 2008, he has not only played every game in the "ones", but featured in the best most weeks, as he provides the Seagulls' run through the middle.

While he acknowledges the faith Seagulls coach Brad Gotch has placed in him, Stretton's own self-belief cannot be underestimated in his progress.

"I guess I've got that confidence I know I can play at the level now," he said. "It's a big thing in playing well. I've really worked on trying to have a lot more composure with the footy this year. I think last year I turned it over a bit in certain situations.

"I've really tried to make my possessions count this year."

Using his blistering pace to great effect, Stretton said he is now taking on opponents and it is proving successful. "I back myself in and try to use my speed to my advantage and try and break the lines a bit.

"Last year I didn't do that as much as I would've liked.

"I've always been pretty quick, but I just probably haven't used it as much as I would've liked.

"The last couple of years I've started to notice that if I back my pace there's not many who can catch me."

Stretton said he worked hard on his game over the summer so as to finally guarantee himself a regular gig at senior level.

He said the Seagulls' switch in AFL alliance Collingwood to the Western Bulldogs and the arrival of several big-name recruits put the pressure on.

"I thought our VFL list is going to be pretty bloody strong this year," he said. "I did have thoughts wondering if my spot would still be there.

"But I really put my head down in the pre-season and tried to play some good footy in the practice matches."

Stretton, born and bred in Melton, is now enjoying playing alongside experienced Bulldogs talls Peter Street and Wayde Skipper and young Callan Ward.

"The Bulldogs blokes are playing some ripper footy at the moment," he said. "Street, he just gives us first use out of the middle every week. He's a good leader too, same as Skipper. They are pretty loud (on the field) and know what they're on about."

On western suburbs-raised Ward, Stretton said, "he reminds me of Nick Dal Santo when he gets the ball. He's just got heaps of time".

While he is enjoying going into battle with AFL-listed players, Stretton said he loves taken them on too and beating them.

"I was playing on (Essendon's) Ricky Dyson and Jay Nash (against Bendigo) ... It's a good challenge to come up against those sorts of blokes and see how you go."

[doggies40]

Its my 1st year of watching some willy games but this guy has already become one of my favourite guys to watch at willytown, him and scotty meyer.

Doesnt beat my fav vfl player in Jarrod Young but yeah stretts(can i call him that) will be one im going to keep my eye on.

[Dale61]

Is that the same Jarrod Young that plays for Waratahs in the Darwin league?

[doggies40]

Yeah i think so, i know he went to the darwin leage last year, missed the start of werribees season i think, Benny may be able to tell us if it is or isnt, but my guess is it is.