The step from junior to senior football can be somewhat daunting, but Connor Ford has taken it all in his stride – quickly becoming one of the most dangerous on-ball for the Macksville Stingers.
The lightly built, lightning fast 17-year-old is about to enter his third season of senior football, and remembers well the challenge.
“It was harder and everyone’s a lot bigger. The competition is very different and definitely more physical,” Connor said of his first year in seniors at age 15.
While the left wing’s speed can keep him clear of the big boppers and poses an ever present threat to oppositions on the break – the fit red shirt is full of heart in contested ball.
“Having pace does help some times – but I’ve learned so much in senior football already. My passing and ball skills have definitely improved,” he said.
Connor has also started a new job, working as a geotechnician for AC Testing Services at Nambucca Heads and Armidale – and that and an imminent 2021 campaign for the Stingers, is keeping him on the go.
And his advice for emerging junior footballers on the transition to seniors: “Don’t be nervous, don’t be afraid. When I started people could see I was only young and they played a bit easier on me. So just go for it.”
