Jack Henderson’s four-week stint as 23rd player for Werribee was both fruitful and eye opening.
The 18-year-old showed he has a bright future at Victorian Football League level with some impressive performances, but he also got to know more about his own game and what it takes to mix it with elite players in the competition.
Henderson saved his best game for last in the four-week block of matches, claiming best-on for his side in Saturday’s 38-point loss to Richmond at Avalon Airport Oval.
He will now return to the regular list while another rookie gets his shot at being the 23rd player for Werribee. His strong form could see him retain his spot in the side as a starting 22 player, but that is to be determined at match selection.
Irrespective of whether Henderson is back in the black and gold of Werribee next round or returning to St Mary’s in the Geelong Football League, he is undoubtedly better for the experience of being the club’s first 23rd player of the season.
“I guess I’m just open for selection now, otherwise, I’ll just go back to playing at St Mary’s,” he said. “I’ll play it by ear, whatever happens, happens.
“I’ve loved every minute of it, it’s been an awesome experience.
“It’s a big step up from under-18s footy and I’d love to play as much as I can.”
Henderson was thrown into the deep end to see if he could swim amongst the big names in the VFL.
First-up, he marked Geelong Cats rookie Gryan Miers in the Easter game at Torquay, and was named in Werribee’s best players, finishing with an efficient 11 disposals, five marks and five tackles.
Henderson featured in Werribee’s return game to Avalon Airport Oval and had a bit more freedom to play in round two against Casey Demons, finishing with 13 disposals, two marks and five tackles.
In his final two outings as 23rd player, Henderson has had tough tagging assignments against livewire forwards Lachie Schultz, of Williamstown, and Shai Bolton, of Richmond.
Schultz got off the leash a couple of times, but Henderson learnt from that experience.
Bolton, however, was kept goalless and restricted to just eight touches in a stellar defensive performance that earned Henderson best-on-ground honours.
“I’ve learnt a hell of a lot in my four games,” Henderson, originally from Blighty in country New South Wales, said.
“Sam Collins and all the defenders, even the midfielders and the forwards, they’ve all been great resources for me, not just in the games, but also at training and off the field as well.”
Henderson got his start in the juniors at the Deniliquin Rams. He moved to Melbourne to board at Geelong College and now lives in Geelong West.
Henderson has vowed to continue working on his deficiencies and stake his claim for a regular senior berth.
“I want to keep learning from all the defenders and become a better all-round footballer,” he said.
