Bruce claims best and fairest
Canberra-born Josh Bruce has capped off a remarkable year by claiming the coveted NSW/ACT RAMS Best and Fairest Award on Saturday night for the state’s top player.
It is a fitting achievement for the key position forward having worked his way through the AFL (NSW/ACT) Talented Player Program (TPP) for the past five years.
Photos from the night can be viewed by clicking on one of two links. Gallery One and Gallery Two.
Bruce’s hard work and never-give-up mentality were rewarded further in July when he was offered a contract with Team GWS.
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.”
2010 Award Winners:
Under-18:
Best and Fairest: Josh Bruce
Runner Up Best and Fairest: Anthony Miles
Coaches Award: Sam Martyn
Most Consistent: Tim Segrave
Dane Quade Memorial Award: Jacob Townsend
Trainers Award: Steve Jolliffe
Players Player: Anthony Miles
Under-16:
Best and Fairest: Craig Moller
Runner Up Best and Fairest: Ben Vile
Coaches Award: Jackson Dwyer
Most Consistent: Daniel Robinson
Doug Scholz Memorial Award: Lonny Hampton
Best Utility Player: Lachlan Harper
Players Player: Craig Moller