New Carlton recruit Tom Fields isn’t afraid of doing the hard yards to get to where he wants to be.
The 21-year-old halfback flanker has taken the long road to reach the AFL. Having grown up in Queensland where he played in the under-18s and the NEAFL, he was overlooked the first time he tried his luck in the draft.
Not one to be discouraged, Fields, who admits he is a “hungry and stubborn person,” packed his bags bound for South Australia where he honed his skills with South Adelaide in the SANFL.
Fast forward to this week and he was ecstatic to have his name called by Carlton at pick No. 41 in the rookie draft.
“It was an absolute surreal experience – I still don’t really know how to describe it,” Fields told the Carlton Newscast. “I’m just stoked ... over the moon.”
Fields is the son of former Essendon player Neville Fields, and grew up with a love of football. The Blues’ new rookie says his father has been his greatest mentor.
“He’s someone I can talk to about on the field as much off it – he’s been a big part of my career,” Fields said.
“He’s never really pushed me to do anything – he’s just always looked out for my best interests and is just more there for support.
“He’s just going to have to get used to being a Blues supporter now!”
