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Local Boy Finds Nest at Casey Fields |
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Scorpion’s midfielder Stefan Garruba found himself in an enviable position during his first season as an AFL draftee.
Rookie listed by Sydney from TAC Cup team Dandenong Stingrays in season 2005, Garruba touched down in the Swans nest at the beginning of a red and white renaissance.
With few injuries and a strong squad, the Swans would go on to capture their first flag in over seventy years, before finishing runner-up to West Coast the following season.
22-4-2008 - Mick Sharkie But although he was living every young footballers dream as a part of a Premiership winning club, Garruba was discovering the frustrating side of an AFL flag.
“Being a part of a premiership was amazing, especially during my first year of AFL footy, but it did make it very hard to be upgraded,” he said. The Swan’s back-to-back Grand Final appearances made it near impossible for Garruba to break into the senior list; a curse endured by many rookies before him.“You do everything you can to get the upgrade but at the end of the day we had a very strong list. It was frustrating but I can’t complain; to be part of a Premiership was pretty special.” He said.With a couple of NAB Cup games to his name after two years in the Harbour City, Garruba was delisted and returned home to Melbourne, grateful for the experience and keen to do all he could for another crack at the big league. “I learned a hell of a lot in Sydney. I learned the most about my football and professionalism during those two years.” Garruba said. After training with Hawthorn prior to the 2007 pre-season draft, Garruba decided his best chance of returning to the national competition lay within the VFL, and thankfully for Casey, he chose the Scorpions over Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate Box Hill. Playing every game bar one in his debut season with the Scorpions, Garruba displayed all the class and ability that had caught the eye of Sydney recruiters two years earlier, and again got the attention of the Hawks. “I trained with Hawthorn again at the end of the 2007 season and they were pushing pretty hard for me to play with Box Hill,” Garruba said. 
Garruba looks to drive the Scorpions forward with dash once again.
But Casey was where Garruba wanted to be. “There are a lot of talented young guys at Casey and we’ve got a great club. I’m sure we’ve got a lot to look forward to over the next few seasons.” He said. As one of four vice-captains for season 2008, Garruba carries added responsibility into his second year as a Scorpion, especially after the departure of club stalwarts Steve Harrison and Nigel Carmody. However it is a challenge that he has grabbed with both hands “It’s definitely an honour to be part of the leadership group, and what’s great about our leaders is that they represent a diverse range of the playing group. From Wally (James Wall) and I with AFL experience, to new players like (Adam) Campbell and Dicko’ (Sean Dixon), and of course Kyle (Matthews), it’s a group with a lot to offer both on the field and off it.” Still harbouring dreams of an AFL career, Garruba will no doubt be out to attract more attention from spotters during the 2008 VFL season, and at just 21 years of age, he certainly has a lot to offer. But if the recruiters don’t come knocking at seasons end, he’s more than happy to remain a Scorpion.“Sure it would be great to get another chance but it’s not something I think too much about. All I can do is give my best for the Scorpions and see what develops.”  Beware the STING! |
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JOB OPPORTUNITY
The Casey Scorpions are seeking a Chef/Cook to fill a casual position for the club. Details can be found here! Ring the club on 5996 1111 if you are interested!!
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