Max Beattie has had to bide his time, but the rewards have started to come.
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The Wodonga Raider made his senior Ovens and Murray debut in the opening round of the season and is one of just six players at the club to have featured in all 13 games in 2021.
After being overlooked by the Murray Bushrangers at under-16, 17 and 18 level, Beattie was invited into the program midway through the season on the recommendation of Raiders' senior coach Jarrod Hodgkin.
"At the start of the year I wasn't in the squad or anything, but about halfway through the Raiders' O and M season they asked me to start training with them," Beattie said.
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"I played a practice match for them two or three weeks ago.
"Hopefully I can impress as much as possible and hold my spot for next year."
Beattie, 17, predominantly played in the midfield as a junior, but has added to his skillset since getting his opportunity in the seniors.
"It's been really good for my footy learning how to play some different roles," Beattie said.
"Playing seniors I've adapted to the small forward role or playing out on the wing as well."
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