The Next Generation Academy prospect spent a full week training at the club as part of the AFL Academy program, joined by teammates Hayden Young and Sam Flanders.
The program gets the country's best prospects to spend a week training at an AFL club, learning what it takes to make it at the elite level.
READ: Holistic approach sees NGA thrive
It’s an experience former Saint and NGA Head Coach Nick Dal Santo says isn’t taken for granted.
“Sometimes you don’t appreciate how cool these places (footy clubs) are, so it’s pretty special to watch these boys go about it and train with the team,” said Dal Santo.
“You quickly forget how hard the players work, physically and mentally, especially when they’re out there running in 35-degree heat.
“For the young guys to see the work required, it’s a great insight for them.”
The purpose of the week is to immerse the players in a professional sportsman’s lifestyle.
This includes being exposed to an increased training intensity, off-field education and different recovery methods.
Biggy in action
Not only this, but the Academy members are responsible for organizing themselves for the week – preparing to train, getting enough sleep and managing their time with family, friends and school.
At 17-years-old, ‘Biggy’ will enter his top-age year in 2019. The week stands as a great test as he prepares to balance his NGA commitments with school, TAC Cup football and potentially state representative honours.
Through draft concessions around Next Generation Academy zones, the Saints will have the option to select Nyuon in the 2019 AFL Draft.
“Through our NGA, he’s got every opportunity to put his best foot forward. The people behind the scenes here have done a superb job,” said Dal Santo.
“He’s a really nice, well-spoken kid with a lot of
“He’s tall enough to play as a key forward, but he can also go into the ruck and pinch hit. He’s got a lot of versatility.
“Every now and then he’ll do something that catches your eye and you think ‘wow, he could be something special’.
“I’m really looking forward to what he’s capable of next year.”
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