IF you asked Max Lynch just a few short years ago where he'd be now, it's doubtful he would have replied with ‘AFL hopeful'.
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The now 200-centimetre ruckman only picked up a Sherrin at the age of 15, after an impressive junior soccer career.
It turned out to be a good decision – just a fortnight after playing in the TAC Cup grand final, Lynch and 11 of his Murray Bushrangers teammates will take part in the AFL National Draft Combine.
Lynch said he hadn’t predicted he would be as successful as he has been when he first switched codes and started playing thirds for Jindera.
“My interest in soccer was waning a little bit, I had a few mates playing out at Jindera so I thought I’d rock up and give it a go,” he said.
“I played for a year with the Bulldogs, mid-way through that season I got a call from the Bushrangers asking me to play a trial game for them – I made the squad from there.”
While it’s been a steep learning curve for the 18-year-old, he’s had no problems keeping up with it.
He moved into the ruck this year after spending the previous two years at full-forward.
“I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of the TAC Cup,” he said.
“Everything has progressed really well over the last couple of seasons.
“Going into the ruck has been good, I’ve been able to get a little bit of diversity into my game.
“Making the switch wasn’t too bad, our ruck coach Peter McIntyre has been extremely helpful.
“Not being the main target in the forward line was the big difference, you have to play much more defensively around the ground and concentrate more on your positioning.”
Now faced with the rigours of the combine, which will run from Thursday through to Saturday, Lynch said he was feeling a mix of emotions.
“I’m not too worried about it, but it is pretty nerve-wracking at the same time,” he said.
“At the end of the day though, I feel like I’ve had a good year.
“All I can do is put my best foot forward
“Hopefully if my test results aren’t quite there then my footy can do a bit of the talking for me.”
Lynch will be joined by Esava Ratugolea, Will Brodie, Zach Sproule, Isaac Wallace, Harry Morrison, Todd Marshall, Lachie Tiziani, Ryan Garthwaite and James Cousins at the combine, which will be held at Etihad Stadium.
The State Combine will be held on Sunday at the same venue.
The Bushrangers will hold their annual John Byrne Medal night on Sunday, October 16.
