Having worked his way up through the junior ranks at his lifelong club, Kyabram ruckman Zac Norris has become an important player for the Paul Newman and Sam Sheldon coached Bombers in 2019.
With an under-18 club best and fairest, a reserves premiership in 2017 and an appearance in last year’s grand final loss, Norris’ importance was exemplified last Saturday night.
The 21-year-old was at his damaging best in the 61-point win over Echuca, as he and Echuca’s tall-timber Luke Morris both battled it out across the ground.
Norris’ performance earned him best afield honours as he worked overtime to provide first opportunity to his teammates Brad Whitford and Mick Mattingly in the midfield.
His side sits atop of the Goulburn Valley League ladder after the opening month of football, with the up-and-coming ruckman coming off one of his best pre-seasons as he looks to add more strengths to his CV.
‘‘It’s been a pretty good start for us, we have had a solid four weeks against good sides and we’ve held our own which has been great,’’ Norris said.
‘‘I really tried to work hard over summer, it was probably one of my better pre-seasons and I’ve also looked to have more of a leadership role as well — just adding an extra voice on the field.
‘‘Paulo has put a bit on me in the midfield group, just trying to take charge and direct a little bit more and use my voice, it’s something I’ve looked to work on.
‘‘It helps set you up for future when you get more experience under the belt and hopefully one day I can help the younger guys out.’’
Norris’ excellent start to 2019 has been rewarded after he was added to the GVL interleague squad at the start of the week.
Although this is the first time he’s been training with the senior squad, Norris is no stranger to representative football, having represented Vic Country under-19s in 2017.
‘‘I’m really looking forward to running around at training with some of the best players in the league, it’s going to be a good experience being around the top-quality players and learning off them,’’ Norris said.
The versatile ruckman also expressed his enthusiasm with working alongside three-time premiership player Jake Reeves, with the star big man back in red and black after a stint with Torquay.
‘‘Being able to work with Reevesy has been great, he’s helped me with a few things already and I’m enjoying learning off him,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s been good having him back and helping out, he’s a quality player and he brings plenty of experience back into the side.’’