In last year’s AFL National Draft, Port Adelaide selected Tom Anastasopoulos from Geelong Falcons with pick 48.
Tom drew eyes for his notable impact as a top-ager for the Falcons, both offensively and defensively – hitting the scoreboard and applying forward tackle pressure.
The third generation Greek Australian is yet to make his AFL debut, spending his time in the SANFL has he develops as a player.
Neos Kosmos caught up with Tom to see how the 19-year-old is going at the moment.
How’s life so far as an AFL player at Port Adelaide?
It’s a dream come true, been dreaming about being an AFL player since I was a little kid, around 10 years old.
Being a part of the likes of Zak Butters and Connor Rozee, guys you looked up to growing up, it’s pretty cool to just play alongside them and travel with them every day.
After you were drafted, what was the reception like from your family?
There was bit of emotion going on. My parents knew how much work I put in trying to get drafted and it resulted. They were just really emotional and obviously being Greek, it was a quite a big family. There wasn’t too many, but just my close family and friends were there. They were just so happy for me.
Do you feel extra driven at training and in the SANFL to prove that you’re ready for that next step?
The end goal is of course to make a debut sometime and Ken (Hinkley) and the whole coaching staff are just pushing me and want me to get better. They have so much belief for me that I can debut, so I’ve just got to keep working every day.
How different has it been training with an AFL club versus training with your junior club?
The talents a lot different obviously, you’re coming up with bigger bodies, men, so you’re not training with kids anymore.
Just the standard of footy, like the intensity and energy at training is a lot different.
Have you noticed Greek fans taking a liking to you since you’ve been in the AFL system?
I’d say it’s a bit early, but I got messages on Instagram when I got drafted, probably more Greek fans that messaged me.
I’ve noticed there’s a little bit of a Greek environment going on, especially living down West Lakes area, down at Henley.
I was surprised to see a few more Greeks here. There’s not many down in Geelong but I’d say there’s more Greeks up here to be honest.
