Angus Schumacher couldn’t contain his emotions when contacted at his home in the south-east Bendigo suburb of Strathfieldsaye last night. His name had just been called by Carlton, the club he’d supported his entire life, with the selection earned from Adelaide (70) as part of the Bryce Gibbs trade.
“This is by far the best moment of my life,” Schumacher said.
“I was sitting at home thinking ‘Oh no, I don’t think it’s going to happen and then . . . oh, it’s a dream come true. I’ve gone for the Blues my whole life. I don’t know what to say.”
Schumacher’s passion for all things navy blue can be put down to his maternal uncle, Bronte Sandercock, who lives in Victor Harbor, South Australia from where the Schumachers themselves originally hailed.
“He pretty much bribed me with a couple of jumpers to go for Carlton when I was a kid, and obviously ‘Juddy’ (Chris Judd) was an influence when he came over.”
On having his name called, Schumacher’s mobile phone went mad, having been inundated with texts from all seniors players from Marc Murphy down. On Monday he’ll rub shoulders with them, joining fellow Bendigo draftees Paddy Dow and Lochie O’Brien in the fold, in the tradition of Ashman, Dean, Keogh, Southby and Williams.
A mid/half-back and an accomplished kick to put his team to advantage, Schumacher is keeping his immediate aspirations simple.
“Initially I just want to gain the respect of the club and get to know everyone, then try to work my a… off to make the best of my career at Carlton,” he said.
A local landscaper by profession, Schumacher expected a few of his mates to join him at the family home to celebrate Carlton’s call.
And while he hasn’t yet spoken to his Uncle in Victor Harbor, he said it was fair and reasonable to assume Bronte would be reaching for the bubbly to toast Carlton’s latest draftee.
