AFTER hosting their first home final last season the Muswellbrook Cats were looking to strengthen their squad to reach the next level, and that improvement may have come in the form of Nathan Connor.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The rugby league convert is only in his first season of Aussie rules but coach Steve Mullane believes he's capable of making a significant impact on their midfield in 2019.
"I'm pretty sure he'll spend most of his time in there because we had a practice game and through him straight in there and he went really well," he said.
"He got even better as the game went on and I think he understands what it takes to be in there because he's just up for it and he's quick, plus he has skills and that's just what we need in there."
Connor said he's been enjoying the experience so far and has been learning a lot throughout the preseason and early rounds.
"It's been good just getting to know everyone and just trying to transfer the skills over from rugby league," he said.
The 19-year-old believes his strengths are tackling and kicking, but Mullane had slightly higher praise for the rising star.
"His enthusiasm, his skill level and probably more his attitude than anything has been great," he said.
"He's taken the game on really quickly and he's really keen, plus he has the skills to go with it."
Despite not following the AFL itself, Connor stated he still has some people to look up to within the local area.
"Just the senior guys now, there's a few guys that have played their whole lives so I try to get tips off of them," he said.
If the up and comer can produce the sort of form the hierarchy are expecting from him this season, it'll be an exciting year for Connor and the team overall.
This is part two of four in our Muswellbrook men's Rising Stars series, tune in for more on the Eagles and Rams' up and comers over the next week.