Batchelor party for Jake
Matt Windley From: Herald Sun December 13, 2010 12:00AM
FOR Richmond new boy Jake Batchelor, hearing his name called at last month's AFL draft signalled a change of career.
Batchelor was not old enough to be drafted after finishing school in 2009, so instead he juggled a full-time job at a local insurance broker with TAC Cup football this year.
But even though he was satisfied with the job, he was more than happy to tell his boss that he was quitting.
"I had to finish the job up on draft night," Batchelor said.
"The boss is great. He's a family friend and he hired me at the start of the year knowing that footy came first.
"He knew there was a possibility I could get drafted. I told him two or three months ago I had been getting some interest from some clubs and I might not be in one day in late November.
"I went to work on the Thursday of the draft and said my goodbyes just in case. I said to them 'I might see you tomorrow, I might not. Fingers crossed I don't'.
"They're all fine with it. They've been great."
The Dandenong Stingrays product has made a name for himself in the TAC Cup for his dash off half-back.
And despite facing stiff competition at Punt Rd, the 18-year-old said he wanted to continue in that role.
"I do want to keep that up," Batchelor said. "I've got a bit of competition with Chris Newman and Brett Deledio there - a lot of competition.
"But I've played there for the last three years and I think I've grown into that position pretty well.
"But I think I could find myself on a wing or half-forward or even give a chop out in the middle once that fitness base grows. We'll just have to see what happens."
As the youngest of four children, Batchelor is used to having to fight for his lot in life. But don't expect the pre-season grind to get him down.
"I'm down the bottom of the barrel now. I guess you sort of work your way to the top at your local club and now you've got to do that all again," he said.
"But that's one of the exciting things, knowing that you've got to earn your spot. Nothing is given to you.
"I'm looking forward to working hard and earning that respect out on the track."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/batchelor-party-for-jake/story-e6frf9jf-1225969756769
