The 2017 AFL season has just come to a close and as good as it feels right now for premiers Richmond, things change very quickly in the AFL, as the Bulldogs can attest to this season. This is the reality especially given the AFL’s equalization policy.
The upcoming National Draft is drawing nearer and another Aboriginal player looks set enter the league. 20-year-old Adam Sambono, is looking to make his mark at the National Combine this week. He is among the 85 aspiring players who are hoping to play at the national level.
Sambono started out as a passionate youngster who truly loved the game. During his pre-adolescent years, he played football games in amateur tournaments with only his family and friends. It all took place in the humble community of Nauiyu. A town that consists of 500 people located 130 miles southwest of Darwin.
At the age of 17 when he decided to take the next step, Sambono moved to Darwin to try his luck in the big smoke. The 20-year-old credits his uncle as motivating him try out for an NTFL club. At first, he was hesistant, but soon after realized that it was his calling.
Sambono’s move to Darwin could not have gone any better, winning the Rising Star Award for the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) in his first season, leading to a contract with the NT Thunder, where he won another Rising Star Award.
NT Thunder Coach, Andrew Hodges says he wasn’t surprised at all with Sambono’s sudden rise-to-fame. Hodges argues that it was pretty clear from the start that he had the potential to rise above the rest and has the makings of an AFL star.
What’s Next for Adam Sambono?
Sambono could attract the interest of the likes of grand Finalists, Richmond and Adelaide.
Richmond showed their prowess with strong 5/1 favorite odds to win the title. Meanwhile, Adelaide received meek 9/2 odds. However, Richmond started with odds of 7.0 and were huge underdogs to win the flag at the start of Grand Final week.
The recommended online bookmakers by Aussiefreebet.co.au show how surprising the result was, with Adelaide starting with strong 5.0 odds.
