Hislop Mk II: A very different man
AFL BY MARTIN AGATYN
4/04/2009 4:00:00 AM
FORMER Burnie footballer Tom Hislop has been given something few AFL footballers get - a second chance at the big time.
Hislop, 18, who played seven games with Essendon last year before being de-listed, was picked up by Richmond and will make his debut with the Tigers against Geelong today.
Ironically, his Essendon debut was also against the Cats.
Hislop's parents Ray and Karen, and brothers Zachary and Caleb, will be flown over by the club for today's special occasion. Another brother, Jacob, attending university in Melbourne and playing with the Tigers' VFL affiliate Coburg, will also be there.
Ray Hislop said the whole family was thrilled for his son.
"Thomas is like any 18-year-old - they make mistakes," he said.
"He's had a few off-field issues and they're all in the past now.
"He's fully aware of the fact he has been given a second chance and he's determined to make the most of it. He's worked very hard to get this opportunity."
"Richmond have been very helpful and he's matured a lot since he's been there - we have really noticed the difference," he said.
Hislop said he was not surprised to be left out for round one.
"I was obviously disappointed to miss the Carlton game, as it had been a long summer," he said.
"I got a pretty good pre-season in, which was great and I was definitely aiming to be in the senior side early in the year, so its all worked out well."
Hislop said changing clubs was never easy but the Tigers had welcomed him with open arms.
http://www.theadvocate.com.au/news/local/sport/afl/hislop-mk-ii-a-very-different-man/1478227.aspx
