New Melbourne recruit Kye Turner has come a long way in the last five months.
After winning the VAFA Premier B premiership with Old Haileybury in September, Turner completed his first AFL pre-season and was added to the Demons’ list via the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection period on Wednesday.
Having played local footy for the majority of last year – with two games for Frankston in the VFL his only taste of higher levels – Turner admits it’s been a crazy rise.
Being made to wait until SSP deadline day to learn his fate, Turner says he started to get an idea his dream would become a reality once coach Simon Goodwin brought the group in before training.
“I couldn’t imagine from where I was two years ago that I would have ended up in this situation, I’ve certainly come a long way,” Turner told SEN Mornings.
“Yesterday was honestly the craziest day ever, I had a few feelings it would go my way in the end, but nothing was guaranteed.
“I had to stay humble and not get too excited about anything but on the track when Goody (Simon Goodwin) announced it, it was pretty surreal.
“It was a bit obvious when a camera comes panning around near your face.
“I was trying to keep a straight face and not make it obvious too much, but I had a fair idea at that point.
“There were a few hints throughout the moment, but it was just unreal, could not be happier.”
After playing high-level soccer as a youngster, Turner only committed to football late after playing junior football for Beaumaris.
A switch to Old Haileybury ahead of last season for senior football came after he was only able to suit up once for the Sandringham Dragons in the NAB League, with COVID affecting both his eligible seasons in 2020 and 2021.
Having missed out on showing his wares through traditional pathways, Turner was grateful that Melbourne took the risk on him.
“I got invited to the Dragons as a top-ager during 2020,” Turner said.
“That year was cancelled by COVID but I played one game in 2021 and just Beaumaris Under-19s.
“Once I played that game COVID hit again and that season (2021) got cancelled, so I went back to local with Old Haileybury (in 2022) and did my thing there and it all panned out pretty well.
“I’m forever grateful to the Melbourne footy club because it’s a pretty weird way to get into the league.
“It’s becoming more common now, I had to keep persevering and it’s a good story for sure.
“I still can’t believe how I’ve gotten here, to be honest.”
Standing at 194cm, Turner will hope to make it as a third or fourth-tall defender and the 21-year-old hopes his versatility earns him a chance at the top level.
“I’d say I’m a pretty versatile player,” Turner said.
“I’m not really a key back, but I believe I can defend tall and smaller.
“I feel like I’ve got a tank on me and a bit of speed, so just use those weapons to my advantage.
“I’m just keen to continue developing.”
Turner could turn out for his new club for the first time when Melbourne faces St Kilda in an unofficial practice match on February 24.