By Hayley Wildes
You learn a lot about a person’s character when they’re challenged.
On Saturday afternoon, in the second half of just his second ever NAB League game, 16-year-old Kooweerup product Nick Prowd stood up for the Gippsland Power.
In wet and windy conditions at Shepley Oval – conditions far from ideal for a big-bodied key position player – Prowd helped the Power storm back to claim a famous four-point win over the Geelong Falcons.
With the game slipping away from Gippsland, coach Rhett McLennan made the decision at the main break to play Prowd in the ruck – a move that would pay huge dividends.
The third quarter didn’t see Gippsland cut into the lead, but importantly, they held the Falcons to just one goal with a howling breeze behind their backs.
Prowd’s impact around the contest was massive and his ability to follow up and give the midfielders a hand was vital.
After setting the comeback in motion in the third quarter, Gippsland still had plenty of work to do facing a 27-point deficit. Having kicked just two goals for the game, the Power needed to rise to another level and that’s exactly what they did – with Prowd leading the way.
Those watching on in the freezing cold would’ve been forgiven for thinking Prowd was a top-age veteran for Gippsland, not a player lacing the boots up for just his second game at the level.
With Prowd taking the majority of ruck duties, the Power chipped away and when Zach Reid kicked truly with two minutes to play, Gippsland hit the lead and held on.
The four-point victory highlighted the determination of the young Power squad, who were without nine of their best players due to Vic Country commitments.
After the game, McLennan spoke of Prowd’s impact and how he helped swing the momentum.
“Nick Prowd in the ruck – I thought he was absolutely sensational,” McLennan said.
“He’s an undersized ruckman, but he played as a second on-baller and just provided us with a great deal of energy.”
Prowd truly showcased his immense talent for the first time at NAB League level on Saturday, but local football followers would be more than familiar with his game.
Having played eight games this season for the Kooweerup seniors in the West Gippsland Football Netball Competition (WGFNC), Prowd hasn’t looked out of place, and in the 2018 WGFNC fourths grand final, he was awarded best on ground honours as the Demons defeated Phillip Island by 10 points.
He credits the experience of playing with and against men at Kooweerup as helping his NAB League transition.
“It’s definitely helped – just having already gone up against the bigger bodies and stuff like that, so it hasn’t been too much of a difference, the biggest difference is just the quickness.” Prowd said.
Being thrust into the ruck was a change for Prowd, who has been playing predominantly as a strong lead-up forward this season. But he relished the challenge.
“It was a bit different, because I haven’t been playing too much ruck this year, more forward, but going into the ruck was good,” he said.
“I wouldn’t say coach doubted us but he challenged us at half time, and it was good to come back and win.”
Whilst Prowd’s footballing talent is undeniable, he has also made a name for himself on the basketball court, having represented Vic Country at under-16 level, among various other accolades.
He admits basketball has taken a back seat lately as he focuses on continuing to develop as a footballer.
“[My goal is] just to keep playing footy and hopefully get picked for a couple more [NAB League] games, get some more wins and finish off the season on a good note.”
Having NAB League experience under your belt at just 16 years of age is invaluable and you can rest assured Nick Prowd will be pulling on a Gippsland Power guernsey on many more occasions.
