By Nick Creely

Tackling, chasing and providing a ferocious, infectious energy at ground level – it’s the mantra of Richmond’s plethora of small forwards at both VFL and AFL level.

For former Beaconsfield player, Noble Park listed player and emerging leader of the Tigers’ VFL program Jake Aarts, he has all three components of his game in spades – it’s the reason he is on the radar for many AFL clubs come draft night later this year.

Hard work and an opportunity to grow his game at Punt Road for four years have now culminated in the dynamic forward being chosen as one of the 13 VFL prospects to take part in the state draft combine after an impressive year at state level, which will be held in October.

Turning 24 later this year, Aarts said he didn’t expect to be chosen for the combine, but understands the footballing landscape – every player pulling on a VFL jumper has ambitions to take the next step to the elite level.

“It was pretty surprising at the time, to be honest – I sort of hadn’t been thinking about it at all lately, and when I got the call from our footy manager, I was surprised, but it was a good result for sure,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say it (getting drafted) hasn’t crossed my mind at all – the last couple of years playing VFL I’ve thought about it more, but this year it’s been more about the footy and trying to make finals.

“I haven’t really focused on whether clubs have been looking at me, but it’s great, for sure.”

It’s often spoken about that the culture down at Punt Road is rock solid, and that it allows each individual involved with the VFL and AFL program to flourish and play to their strengths – Aarts is testament to that, he lives and breathes it on a weekly basis.

“The culture at Richmond has been really good since I got to the club – in my first year (2014), there was always got a bit of divide between the VFL and AFL boys, but each year I’ve been there it’s got better and better – it’s something we work on each year, and it probably started four years ago,” he said.

“It hasn’t just started; it takes a long time to get a good connection which is something we talk a lot about with the AFL boys as well. When you get a good system, and a strong culture, everyone buys into it, and all the boys have.

“With the success of the AFL boys last year, and to an extent the VFL boys, it’s had a big impact on me, and it makes you want to keep playing, the hard work is all there is to it for us as a club.”

Aarts plays to his strengths; he applies extraordinary pressure with the likes of AFL-listed players Tyson Stengle, Shai Bolton, Liam Baker and Sam Lloyd often around him at ground level suffocating opponents with their intensity – it’s the Richmond way, and Aarts is right at home.

“The way I play my footy, it’s not really changed since my junior days,” he said.

“I love bringing energy and tackling, and you’ve got to defend as well, it’s not all offense, and being a small forward at Richmond, they need that in our team defence – it helps the midfield and backline with our forward pressure, so that’s what we work on.

“Nothing’s really changed for me, it’s just how I play.”

In last year’s state combine, the likes of Dom Barry (Port Adelaide), Bayley Fritsch (Melbourne), Zac Langdon (GWS Giants) and Liam Ryan (West Coast) impressed enough to earn an AFL opportunity.

Aarts will use those examples, plus a number of others flourishing at AFL level, as inspiration for what’s ahead in his footballing journey.

“It sort of hasn’t been until late I’ve realised (the impact of mature age players) – Lambo (Richmond premiership star Kane Lambert) obviously came into the system until he was like 23 and has had a big impact straightaway, and you look at Geelong with Tim Kelly, he’s been amazing,” he said.

“Lately I’ve noticed all these things, and the impact they have at AFL level, so you do sit there and think that you could make an impact at AFL level, because you’ve already done the four years of playing at a high standard of footy, that’s how I see it.”

In a recent game against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, VFL coach Craig McRae praised the potentially AFL-bound Aarts in his VFL report, a big indication of his potential.

“(He’s) such a terrier. Low possessions, but just his tenacity was unbelievable. He’s a really, really good leader in terms of his competitive nature. We love him in our team. He was one of our best players on the day,” he said.

It’s been a strong four years for the Beaconsfield product, and in 2019, anything’s possible for the tenacious forward with a strong appetite to run, chase and tackle.

Second chance surge

Making the most out of 2016, Tom Jok has ticked all the right boxes.

With no school footy or major injuries halting his run at TAC Cup and Vic Country duties this year, Jok, 19, from Pakenham, has been in superb nick through the first eight rounds at Dandenong.

Averaging 20 touches, five marks and four tackles a match, the Beaconsfield/Dandenong Stingrays roaming wingman did more than enough to earn a second campaign with Vic Country’s Under 18s.

Despite the side’s win-loss record not looking as impressive as last season, after two early losses, Jok has relished his second chance to impress the football world.

Jok was on song early for Vic Country in its Queen’s Birthday clash against Vic Metro at Simonds Stadium.

An electric first term set the stage for Jok, as he was seemingly part of every passage through Vic country’s amazing five-goal opening quarter, but his match was derailed by a shoulder complaint.

Despite the injury, Jok was pleased with his performance – racking up 16 possessions and five tackles in the two-point loss – but the heartbreak of a devastating defeat was at the front of his mind.

“It’s good individually so far – playing my role and doing what I can for the team so far – but it’s just disappointing that we had our second loss in a row,” Jok said.

“It’s pretty devastating – the WA loss was just down to who could be harder for longer and obviously they were and were more powerful, physical and showed it on the scoreboard.

“With this game today (Monday) it was a grind out and who could take their opportunities – and Metro probably deserved it.”

After he was overlooked in the 2015 AFL national and rookie drafts, Jok has set about ramping up all aspects of his footy this time around and seizing the opportunity he’s been received again.

“That’s the thing – I’m just trying to add a bit of consistency in my game and so if I can start well and just need to finish well and that’s something I’m working on,” Jok said.

“I’ve enjoyed every moment of the second chance.

“I wasn’t around as much this time last year, just due to injury and school footy – but I’ve got a second chance and another go at it now and it’s a great opportunity and I’m doing everything I can to take it.”