The path from NAB League football to VFL to AFL is a path hundreds of top-level footballers have trodden over the years. That rise through the levels of the game can lead to players having a long and successful career in the AFL, and it's a path North Melbourne youngster Paul Curtis is set to follow - possibly sooner rather than later.
Since his name was read out with the 35th pick of the NAB AFL Draft, the young goalsneak's game has progressed brilliantly and rapidly. After entering the doors of professional football as a lean 18-year-old, Curtis has added muscle to his frame, class to his game and intensity to his play.
After impressing with a pair of goals against Box Hill in a VFL practice game, and then two more majors against Williamstown in Round 1, Curtis exploded with a four-goal performance against Footscray on the weekend and, in tandem with fellow forward Charlie Comben, helped pull an undermanned and exhausted North side over the line against its fast finishing opposition.
It wasn't just Curtis' forward craft that impressed those who attended the game though. Rather it was his willingness to get stuck into the contest, lay tackle after tackle and put in the types of efforts that define what a Shinboner should be.
Curtis says he sees that defensive aspect of his game as a route into senior football.
"I've been working on my forward pressure since I came to the club, I feel like that's a big thing for a small forward and it's those types of efforts that are really valued by the team. I's a big thing for me," Curtis told North Media.
"It falls back to being as consistent as I can in every part of my game. I'm really trying to do whatever I can for the team. It's obviously a big step up in standards from the footy I played last year, but I'm working really hard on the small things.
"Adding that strength is a really important for all of us first year boys in trying to get our bodies right and up to the standard of AFL level. I'm trying to put on a bit of muscle and it's made a difference in stepping up into men's football."
Curtis is one of a number of Kangaroos' youngsters currently banging the door down for their maiden AFL opportunity. Along with him the likes of Miller Bergman, Pat Walker, Josh Goater and Matt McGuinness are all throwing their hats into the ring for a senior call-up as soon as possible.
In his time at the club, David Noble has shown no aversion to giving his young up-and-comers opportunities at senior level having awarded seven players their AFL debuts in his 27 games at the helm. Along with those debuts, he's also afforded opportunities to young trade and free agency acquisitions Callum Coleman-Jones, Lachie Young and Atu Bosenavulagi.
Should he be the next young Kangaroo to fulfil a lifelong dream and test themselves at the top level, Curtis says he's ready to grasp the opportunity with both hands.
"It's a big thing going up to AFL level, I haven't got there yet but I'm going to keep pushing. You can tell there's a really big difference between VFL and AFL but I'm excited to test myself if I get the chance. If it's there I'll definitely take it," he said.
"You can't say it enough. It all goes back to just trying to be consistent and doing whatever I can for the team. That's the way to earn that chance."
In a week's time it will be five months since Curtis' name was read out on draft night. Five months into what will hopefully be a long North Melbourne career filled with goals, wins and team successes.
It's been said that earning the opportunity to land on an AFL list is the easy part of the game. The next step is for this young star to make that leap to the next level and run out onto the ground with the AFL logo proudly perched on his chest.
It can be difficult to sum up five months in just a few words, but when asked to sum up his time as a North Melbourne player Curtis flashed a grin and gave a simple response.
"It's amazing. To sum it up, just amazing. I've loved every minute of it."
