Bruce claims best and fairest

Although the 18-year-olds rise through the TPP has been anything but smooth.

“Not making the under-16 RAMS made me realise how much work I needed to do to make it [in the AFL] and I made the RAMS as an under-ager the next year,” Bruce said.

“Basically I just wasn’t good enough [to make the RAMS], wasn’t quick enough and I didn’t have the right attitude.

“I really focused from then on and it’s been good ever since … it was a mix between attitude and a general want and desire to really prove myself to reach my potential.”

After missing out on making the under-16 state team, Bruce redeveloped his training, his attitude and his desire to make the AFL.

What followed was exemplified on the weekend with Bruce claiming the highest individual honour for the Talented Player Program.

The former Eastlake footballer is an exemplary leader and his journey is one to follow for players that don’t make certain representative teams.

“It is a massive privilege and honour [to win the best and fairest award], it was pretty unexpected at the start of the year but it has been a good year,” he said.

“To see some of the players that have won it in the past is quite remarkable.

“I’ve been in the TPP for so many years and it is just a great way to culminate my time in the program.”

Bruce, who has relocated to Sydney, will commence phase one of what promises to be a long and successful career in the AFL when pre-season training begins for Team GWS on Monday (November 15).

Playing alongside four of his NSW/ACT RAMS teammates at GWS and NRL recruit Israel Folau will make Bruce’s next journey even more memorable.  

“It’s all quite surreal to be part of a new club but I’m just really excited about the role that I can play for Team GWS,” he said.

“I met Israel Folau the other day and he’s a really nice guy. He’s obviously an amazing athlete so I’m sure I’ll be able to help him out picking up a few of the finer points of the game.”

It has been a successful year for the AFL (NSW/ACT) Talented Player Program with 12 players being picked up by AFL Clubs. There is the possibility for more to follow after the NAB Draft and NAB Rookie Draft in November and December respectively.

Bruce said the future is bright for players in the TPP with “a clear and defined pathway available from day one.”