By JARROD POTTER
STRIDING out in the black and gold for the first time, Beaconsfield’s Brandon White was finally rewarded with his TAC Cup debut.
White was given his chance on Saturday to don the Dandenong jersey after waiting on the sidelines for 14 rounds – biding his time by starring for the Eagles with nine senior appearances already as a 17-year-old.
He had to earn his Stingrays’ colours with consistency at local level, but it was worth it in the end for the Berwick-based utility.
“It felt great to be honest, to finally earn a game after so many weeks – working hard in pre-season to get that first game and it’s what you strive for,” White said.
“I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I was going into the game – seeing as I’m 23rd man – only play half the game – watching the boys come on and off psyched me up and when I got out there and got my first kick, the nerves settled and I worked my way into the game.”
His resume is impressive; he was a stellar defensive fortress for the Victoria Country under-16 in last year’s championships in Sydney where the country boys were able to knock off South Australia and claim the title.
His efforts up forward in the under-17’s futures game for Vic Country gave indication of his versatility and he was thrown to both ends by the Dandenong coaching staff.
“The recent week I played half forward for Vic Country in the futures game which I found I played alright down there, but I prefer the half-back line,” White said. “Running off the flank and creating the play from there, but I’m not fussed as long as I get to wear the jersey again I’ll play wherever.”
He can still taste the Gatorade after receiving a bath load of the drink from his team mates as Dandenong sang the song in its 42-point win over Sandringham.
“I was absolutely soaked with Gatorade when I got in there,” White said. “My eyes were burning, but the boys enjoyed it and were laughing their heads off.”
His hopes for the rest of the season are to continuing earning his place in the side, move out of the 23rd man position and potentially play finals, but he isn’t getting ahead of himself.
Stingrays coach Craig Black said it took a while to slot White into the side but his versatility will pay off for him in the long run.
“He’s a Beacy boy and came in as the 23rd man,” Black said.
“Changed him between forward and back – he’s got that luxury.
“I thought White was going to be a defender but he played in the 17’s futures game and took a couple of great grabs… it’s a luxury to have a bloke you can throw to either end of the field.
“Waited a long time to get his opportunity – Round 15 – but I thought he came in and played his role really well and its good development for him for next year.”
White will hope to keep his spot in the Stingrays’ line-up as Dandenong clashes with Oakleigh on Saturday.
