Three years ago, Sebastian Fahey picked up a footy for the first time. Now, he is a member of the Queensland Under 18 State Academy Team.
In just three years, Fahey has achieved things some players could only dream of; it’s not everyday you get the opportunity to represent your state.
When he pulled on the Q jumper against Gippsland in the TAC Cup last month, he looked like a kid who had been playing the game his whole life.
It all began back at Marist College, where a devoted rugby player joined the school football team, all be it, very nonchalantly in the beginning.
It was his P.E. teacher, Brett Gillette that put a footy in Fahey’s hands for the first time.
“He introduced me to AFL, he said I should give footy a crack instead of rugby,” Fahey said.
From there, a love of the game was born.
“I love everything about it, the whole game itself. It gives an opportunity to everyone,” he said.
Gillette said that Fahey’s natural sporting ability means he is capable of doing anything he sets himself to.
“He is just a really talented athlete; swimming, running, cricket, cross country, anything, so we got him tested at school,” Gillette said.
“His overhead mark is fantastic, he got it straight away, he is just one of those kids that picks anything up.”
As far as player comparisons go, compliments don’t get much bigger than one of the best players in the game right now.
“He reminds me a lot, without putting too much pressure on, of a raw Nat Fyfe. The size he is, he could go a long way,” he said.
“He can take a good overhead mark, he’s smart, has a massive aerobic capacity and is just a really good kid who listens.”
He is constantly working hard to improve, and understands that, while his status in the game has risen quickly, there is still plenty of work to do.
“I would like to improve my kicking, handballing, reading the play for what it is, and my knowledge on structures and why you do particular things in a certain situations,” Fahey said.
Athletic ability is clearly in the Fahey genes. His two sisters Scarlett and Daisy are both state runners, with the latter a Queensland 1500m champion for her age.
He isn’t completely footy focused though.
Fahey is currently studying a Bachelor of Property, with the goal of one day working in commercial real estate, while keeping a keen eye on the stock market in his spare time.
For a kid who can count on one hand how many years he has been in the game, the way he plays, and the intent he plays with, could be considered remarkable.
In three years, Fahey has represented his state, made his NEAFL debut for the Gold Coast SUNS, and played for the Broadbeach Cats.
If that’s the benchmark of his improvement, who knows what the next three years hold.
By Andrew Wiles – @andrewjwiles
