Byrne ready to fire
Box Hill has signed Connor Byrne for season 2019, with the midfielder coming across from VFL rivals Coburg.
The 20-year-old brings impressive midfield capabilities to City Oval, with an ability to play in and around the clinches or on the wing.
According to the youngster, his football strengths are his “spread” from the contest and capacity to “use the ball well”.
Byrne’s football journey certainly hasn’t followed a particularly traditional pathway.
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Hailing from Wagga, the clever midfielder spent a year boarding at Ballarat in 2015 and was a standout at under-18 level, where he shone as a Giants Academy player in the TAC cup and NEAFL.
However Byrne experienced the ultimate set back when he unfortunately missed out on selection at the 2016 National Draft.
He then turned to the VFL system, where he applied his hard work ethic and dedication during his two seasons at the Coburg Lions.
Now the youngster is extremely excited at joining the VFL’s reigning premiers at City Oval.
“Box Hill is extremely good at respecting each other and getting along with all its different characters,” Byrne said.
“It is an extremely welcoming club, and I’ve been blown away by that.”
Injuries cruelled Byrne in 2018 as niggling hips and groins frustratingly ruled him out for the year from Round 6 of last season.
Now Byrne firmly believes his best football is ahead of him and has set his sights on pushing into the elite bracket of midfielders at Box Hill.
“Obviously with the Hawthorn boys coming back, some weeks there is only going to be those top bracket players selected,” he said.
“It’s about trying to fight for those top spots, so if spots do become available you are the first one getting a crack.”
Box Hill will launch their 2019 VFL campaign against Casey Demons at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday April 7.
