Above: Josh Tynan impressed selectors during his stint with Vic Country at the AFL under-18 national carnival.
By Gavin Staindl
IF YOU have ever met Josh Tynan, the first thing that hits you is he doesn’t stop smiling.
Even on the football field when matched against opponents double his size, Tynan, 18, can be spotted playing with a grin.
But the only smiles Tynan had on Thursday night were nervous smiles as he anxiously watched from his North Garfield home as his footballing future was decided in the AFL draft.
According to experts, Tynan was tipped to be picked up by the Melbourne Demons at pick 36, an ideal home for Tynan given his older brother Luke plays with Dees’ VFL affiliate, Casey Scorpions.
But after watching 50 selections flash up on his TV without any of them having his name, Tynan began questioning if he was going to be selected at all.
“After pick 40 went past, I was not shattered but I was pretty anxious because I didn’t know what would happen,” Tynan said.
“When it got to 50 it was getting worse because I had heard there were only going to be 60 players picked up.”
But with pick 52 Melbourne selected Tynan.
“I was shocked,” Tynan said.
“My mum was crying, dad came over and shook my hand and Luke was pretty happy… I was just overwhelmed.”
Tynan didn’t sleep that night because he was too excited, and judging by the amount of texts he received, so to was half of Gippsland.
“I’m still going through the messages,” a jittery Tynan said on Friday afternoon.
“I’ve had all the (Melbourne) players calling me and texting me saying they can’t wait to see me down at the club.
“I don’t know what to say to them all, it’s all pretty overwhelming.”
Tynan began playing football as a 9-year-old for the under-12 Garfield Stars.
Under the influence of long-time coach Tim Collis, who told him to remain versatile, Tynan took out the under-14 league best and fairest as a utility who could play anywhere.
After debuting in the Garfield seniors at 16, Tynan transferred to TAC club Gippsland Power in 2010, where he battled injury and form before being dropped only weeks before the grand final.
“That was tough,” Tynan said.
“But I realised if I kept going how I was, I wouldn’t get drafted so it (getting dropped) gave me a bit more motivation to have a real big preseason.”
“I always believed I could make it (to the AFL) and I was lucky enough to have a good year this year.”
A good year? More like an excellent year.
The Vic Country representative displayed courage, composure and strong overhead marking abilities and averaged over 15 disposals at the Power.
Not bad considering on any given week he could be used as a key position back or a small, dashing rebounder.
As Melbourne recruiting manager Barry Prendegast said, “he (Tynan) can play tall and he can play small… he kicks it quite well and he makes good decisions with the footy.
“It’s an old saying, but we couldn’t believe he was still there (in the draft) at pick 52.”
The former Star and future star of the Dees said being picked up by Melbourne was the “perfect” outcome because it means he will line-up alongside brother Luke for the first time since under-14 days.
“We’ve always had a dream that both of us would make AFL,” Tynan said.
“We do all our training together, and it would be awesome to run out together.”
As Josh kicks off his AFL preseason this week alongside Luke, you can bet your boots the pair will be smiling.
