Brisbane Lions recruit Michael Close has big shoes to fill.
From the moment he was taken by the Lions last November, he was touted - by supporters, journalists, and National Talent Manager Rob Kerr - as heir apparent to legendary spearhead Jonathan Brown.
That’s an intimidating prospect for any youngster, but Close has a sense of quiet assuredness that doesn’t lend him to being overawed.
“While there is the talk of me playing Jonathan Brown’s position, I don’t think anyone’s expecting me to be another Browny,” Close explained.
“Key forwards take a long time to mature normally, and I’m often told I’m a project player, so I am being allowed time to steadily advance my game.
“Because of those things, I’m not feeling any extra pressure to perform.”
Aside from being Lions teammates, there are more than a few similarities between the Club's centre-half-forward master and apprentice.
For a start, both Close and Brown are from country Victoria, and both represented country Victoria in U18 campaigns; the year before they were drafted.
At 15, the duo debuted in senior football in their home towns at the same age, before being taken as second round draft picks; at No.32 and No.30 respectively.
Cricket was the summer game of choice for both, and they excel on the track during those warmer months too; with Close finishing third in his first two kilometre pre-season time trial at the club this year, just ahead of Brown.
They’re similar in stature too.
Both stand about 195cm tall, and while Close is hovering around 90kg, compared to Brown’s 102kg, the Lions’ captain was roughly the same weight at Close’s age (19).
Despite all the likenesses, the gulf in experience is cavernous, though the steel-plated skipper is trying to bridge the gap.
“Browny has been really helpful; particularly in the second half of the year,” Close said.
“Our relationship has strengthened as the year has gone on, and he always takes time out to offer me feedback and advice.
“He actually sits down with me on Mondays and goes through the footage of my game with me; offering tips and tricks of his to help me.
“Learning off him is going to be the best thing for my development, and I hope that can continue for at least another year.”
Soaking up knowledge from a triple-premiership star is unequivocally beneficial, but Close – who idolised Chris Judd growing up – has also gained a lot from his season in the NEAFL.
Brisbane’s NEAFL coach Leigh Harding has consistently praised his young charges’ work rate and strong leading this year, and Close has been instrumental in the Lions’ charge to this weekend’s Grand Final, after overcoming an early-season foot fracture.
He hasn’t kicked swags of goals – though 16 thus far is a respectable return – but with sharpshooters Jordan Lisle and Aaron Cornelius bagging more than 90 majors between them this year, the 19-year-old has rarely been stationed deep in attack.
“I suppose purely on goals, people might look at my year and say it has been a bit underwhelming, but hitting the scoreboard hasn’t been my main focus,” Close said.
“My role has usually been to present much further up the ground, and I’ve won the majority of my football between the two 50 metre arcs.
“I’ve been happy with my year, and I’ve got a lot of good feedback from the coaching staff.
“I’m fine-tuning my leading patterns, working a lot on my marking, and trying to be an aggressive presence around the football.
“Hopefully I can take away a flag from my first year at the club, put on some weight over pre-season (Close aspires to be 100kg), and push for senior selection.”
Sam Canavan is a journalist with the NEAFL. You can follow him on twitter @samcanavan.
