Kurt Aylett is finally reaping the rewards of his persistence.
The Werribee midfielder has so often been cursed with injuries that it could have broken a lesser willed person.
But Aylett has taken the good with the bad, understanding that injuries are an unfortunate part of sport and even though he has suffered more than most in that department, he
has come through it and is better for the experience.
“My journey has been up and down like most footballers,” Aylett said.
“At AFL level, I had a whole raft of injuries.
“I finally debuted for Werribee at Geelong [in 2016] and unfortunately I was involved in a collision and needed a complete ankle reconstruction from that, so that set me back a fair way.
“I was rapt to get back late last year and play the last five games in the VFL and it gave me some confidence going into my first pre-season in about three years.”
Aylett played three games at the top level, but there always seemed to be an injury around the corner.
He played one game for the GWS Giants and two games for Essendon before he was delisted at the end of 2015.
A New South Wales product, Aylett decided to stay in Melbourne to pursue his landscaping apprenticeship, which is when he linked up with Werribee.
Aylett was not content with how his career at the top level ended and wanted to make his mark with Werribee.
“From the past, with my injuries, I wasn’t satisfied with what I got out of my football, so I wanted to get back and put together some good form at state league and see what happens,” he said.
With his ankle fully healed, Aylett regained his touch with Werribee late last year.
It allowed him to believe he can get back to playing senior football and offered a chance for him to go into the pre-season with confidence in his body.
Eight games into 2018 and Aylett has played in every one of them.
The 26-year-old might just be ready to deliver on his potential.
He is thriving in the Werribee midfield, taking on whatever challenge is thrown his way by senior coach John Lamont.
Aylett is just happy to be back and able to contribute to the team.
“I get a lot of enjoyment and satisfaction in being available for my teammates and being able to play week in week out and be at training,” he said.
“I just have that appreciation of the game.
“Whatever the team needs, I’m there to contribute and play my part. That versatility is something that I’ve always had and I’ll continue to use that, whether it’s tagging one week or playing in the midfield or down back.”
It has been a clean slate for everyone at Werribee, since the club decided to break away from their alignment with North Melbourne and go stand-alone, and, of course, the unveiling of their new state-of-the-art facilities at Avalon Airport Oval.
As part of the leadership group, Aylett is getting to work in helping shape the on-field future of the club, both this season and beyond.
He says it is a “non-negotiable” as a leader to help guide the youngsters at the club.
Aylett is also excited by the opportunity that presents to instil fresh values at the club that will live on forever.
“We want to make it a family club from everyone involved, not just the players,” he said.
“That’s building up the relationships with the volunteers, the physios, the trainers, all the coaching staff and the extended family.
“When a young kid comes in, they will feel welcomed and that’s the main thing.”
