SCOTT Lycett is one of many footballers who have made the jump from the Far West Football League to the AFL.
Lycett was born in Ceduna and played football for Thevenard.
Despite proudly being a part of a powerful club that currently sits in the top four of the AFL, the ruckman remembers fondly his time playing for the Magpies in the FWFL.
“I remember playing with all my mates and playing in Colts premierships and not being allowed to play A grade footy because I was still too young according to my dad,” he said.
He played one season with Thevenard’s senior side at the age of 15 before moving to Adelaide to play with Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL.
Lycett played Under 16 and Under 18 football for South Australia, playing five games in the AFL National Under 18 Championships, recording 87 hit outs.
His efforts were enough to get the attention of the West Coast Eagles, who selected him at pick 29 in the 2010 National Draft.
Lycett said it was an unbelievable feeling when he was selected.
“It felt unbelievable when my name was called out in the draft, I didn’t care where I went or who picked me up, I just wanted to play AFL football,” he said.
As for making the move to Perth, Lycett said the move wasn’t too difficult for him.
“The move was pretty easy actually, I have a great host family I live with so it makes the move a lot easier,” he said.
“Moving from Ceduna to Adelaide when I was 16 made the move to Perth a lot easier as well because I’d already moved away once and it was my dream to get drafted so I would’ve done anything.”
Scott Lycett made his preseason debut against Hawthorn in round one of the 2011 NAB Cup and made his senior debut against the Western Bulldogs in round 19 the same year, where he kicked a goal with his first kick.
Lycett said the experience of his first game was unexplainable.
“The Eagles flew my family ove, my mum and Dad Ron and Karen, my brother Kristopher and my grandparents Maralyn and Bob, who saw me kick a goal with my first kick in the AFL,” he said.
“It was not only great for me but also for my parents and my whole family, because without their help I would never have been out there to kick that goal with my first kick.”
Lycett has been training with the Eagles side while also playing for Peel Thunder in the WAFL.
He said he has been getting along with his teammates and has earned respect from putting in hard work and being a team player, especially from one player he has looked up to.
“As a kid growing up I’ve always idolised Dean Cox, so it’s awesome I’m actually at the same club and friends with him, I’ve learned so much from him already,” he said.
Lycett has played two games this year, round six against North Melbourne and round seven against Essendon.
So far he has totalled five kicks, twelve disposals, six hit outs and one goal.
Lycett said any local player wanting to make it to the AFL only needs to try their hardest and never give up on their dream.
“The only thing I would say to the youngsters is if you have a dream go and get it, don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible because if you want it bad enough, you work hard and anything is possible,” he said.
