By JARROD POTTER
RACKING up an impressive on-field resume already, determined defender Oscar Clavarino is putting his all into his amazing footy opportunities.
Clavarino, 17, from Berwick, has been in the midst of an extraordinary 2016 as he splits his football tasks between the AFL Academy, Vic Country, Dandenong Stingrays, Haileybury and Berwick.
While it hasn’t been as productive as last year for Vic Country Under 18s, the reigning premiers have been well served on the last line by their bottom-age full back.
From wondering if he’d make it, to being thrown into the deep end as one of the younger players in the side, it’s been quite a steep learning curve for Clavarino – just the way he likes it.
“Getting picked in the Under 18s Vic Country squad – was a bit shocked but pretty happy to make it,” Clavarino said. “Was lucky enough to make that and once I got told I was going to play my first game I was pretty excited – to play with some of my best mates, Josh Battle especially – and went over to WA and it was an amazing experience.
“Getting the chance to play on some Under 18 boys who will go through the draft – it’s amazing to play that level as a bottom ager.”
His efforts manning the dangerous talls in the Western Australian forward line earned him another task the week after in the annual derby between Vic Country and Vic Metro – which the country boys lost in a nail-biter.
Clavarino returned to the Country crucible on Friday with even more hard tasks against the high-flying South Australians at Etihad Stadium, but every time he heads out there he tries not to get daunted by the challenges.
After all, everyone in Vic Country has the faith that he can take these tasks on – so why not live up to their beliefs?
“You’ve got to take it just like any other game – you’re there for a reason as the coaches reiterate to you every time,” Clavarino said. “They see you as being good enough to take that position and it gives you confidence and that’s what I’ve taken from all the coaches and the other players.
“They believe in me and I believe I can get the job done down there with the boys down there like Jarrod Berry and others; their leadership down there helping me out makes it a lot easier.”
“Just the culture that everyone creates, coming in from places all over the state and the boys are just as passionate as I am about footy – all of us have the love for the game and we’re going up against blokes who have unreal levels of talent and it’s pretty incredible to be playing at that level.”
It hasn’t been a successful campaign in the win/loss columns for Vic Country – currently standing at 0-3 – but there’s one clash left and Clavarino hopes the boys can finish the representative season on a strong note.
But throughout it all, the hard work pays big dividends into his sporting passion and he relishes every second of the tough times and great moments alike.
“Just how you have to be switched on every time, every minute – on the field, off the field – and how everything has ramped up quickly,” Clavarino said. “But I’m enjoying the experience and how much I’m looking to the future.
“It’s gone really quickly and taking it day by day and look ahead much further than that because it’s all hopefully going to go higher and higher for me there.
“Just how quickly it’s all going for me from under-16s hopefully all the way to draft day – but it just keeps coming at you quickly and you’ve got to be on your feet.
“One side of it is very serious, but the other side you need to enjoy it. There’s got to be good form on and off the field and just finding the balance.”
Clavarino’s Vic Country team takes on the Allies at Simonds Stadum on Wednesday from 4.35pm.
