Thomas Burton believes it is his daily willingness to think ahead that helped him secure a spot on the School Sport Australia national football team.
The Point Cook resident was selected to represent Victoria in Albury from July 23-30, and despite losing, Thomas was one of about 25 boys selected from all the states for the national team.
“I didn’t necessarily expect it a lot, but I was hoping for it,” Thomas said.
“If i just keep on pushing and keep on doing what I do, I feel like i’ll achieve things,” he said.
Thomas’ dad, Colin, said his son is “pretty determined” and utilised his free time during COVID-19 to work on his goals.
“He basically goes off on his own nearly every day, working on his core strength and his speed for about two and a half years now,” Colin said.
Thomas lists Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli as the sportsman he most looks up to.
“Not just on the footy field, but also off, he’s a really great guy and I feel like he’s very determined, he doesn’t play for himself, he plays for his teammates,” Thomas said.
“The goal is to make AFL, it doesn’t always pan out…but i’ll keep striving and I still want to go to uni and I still want to get my education right, I’m just taking it one step at a time.”
