USQ student drafted into AFL

USQ second year student, Brad Howard, has realised every young Australian Rules footballers dream after being drafted into the Australian Football League (AFL).

The 18-year-old is in his second year of a Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University and said that being drafted was a life long ambition.

'My father was an AFL player so I grew up around the sport, I was three when I kicked my first football,' Brad said.

'Been taken in the second round in the draft is great because I get the chance to try and play in the AFL straight away.'

Drafted at number 27 by St Kilda, Brad will head to Melbourne this weekend and said that he was looking forward to the challenge of securing a future in the top flight.

'I leave for Melbourne on Sunday and start training on the Monday so I can get a feel for the club,' he said.

'The initial trip down there will also give me a chance to see what level I have to play at if I am to compete in the AFL.'

Although only a rookie, Brad has lofty ambitions for his first year in the competition, which can often be a baptism of fire.

'My main goal for the year is to play a few games in the AFL.

'I hope to spend a lot of time with the senior players at the club and learn as much as I can off them.'

Despite pursuing an AFL career, Brad has no plans to abandon his studies and is already preparing for life after football.

'The club recommended that I defer my studies for the first year and concentrate on football and that is what I will do,' he said.

'However I do want to finish my degree and eventually get into business and sports management.'

To help him complete his degree, Brad is also now part of USQ's Elite Athlete Program that offers support to students who are juggling study and sporting commitments.

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628, 0403 643 192