Haretuku’s NZ journey

It was the experience of a lifetime last Saturday for former AFL Sydney footballer, Khan Haretuku, when he represented New Zealand.

Haretuku, whose parents are New Zealanders, was a key member of the New Zealand Hawks who took on the AIS-AFL team in a match played at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

Khan was a junior of note in Sydney football, playing for UNSW/ES in the senior competition and the Under 18 NSW/ACT RAMS, before being rookie listed by St Kilda under the NSW Scholarship Program in 2008.

At the time of the signing, Saints chief recruiter, John Beveridge was full of praise for the youngster’s potential.

“Khan is a 196cm athletic left footer and has played mostly in the ruck but gives the impression that he could develop into a key back or forward.”

He was delisted in 2009 but has impressed with VFL club, Frankston, over the past two seasons.

Frankston coach, Simon Goosey believes the 22-year old has another chance to reach the top level.

“I reckon he will take another step and be a chance to get drafted,” he said.