Lions midfielder and occasional forward Justin Sherman is living proof that late draft picks can not only make an immediate impact, but also sustain high performance levels over a number of seasons.
Sherman will line up for his 100th AFL match this Saturday afternoon when the Lions clash with Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium in what will be a remarkable achievement for such a young man.
Having only recently turned 23 earlier this year, it is testament to Sherman’s work rate, durability and persistence that he is able to reach this important games milestone in just over five seasons at the highest level.
The Tasmanian recruit was drafted to the Lions with Pick No.45 in the 2004 AFL National Draft, only two months after the Club had been denied a fourth consecutive premiership by Port Adelaide in the 2004 Grand Final.
After spending his first three matches of 2005 with the reserves side, Sherman quickly caught the eye of the Lions Match Committee and earned his a senior call-up in Round 4 against Hawthorn at the MCG.
He went on to play the remaining 19 matches of 2005 and backed it up the following year by finish Runner-Up to Simon Black in the 2006 Club Champion award. He received an AFL Rising Star Nomination, won the Club’s Rookie of the Year award and even represented Australia in the International Rules Series against Ireland - all in his first two seasons.
He experienced his first real struggle with injury and form in 2007 which limited him to just 14 matches but responded with another solid contribution in 2008.
Last year was arguably his finest season, booting a career-best 30 goals, averaging more than 20 disposals per game and finishing 5th in the Club Champion award. Most importantly, he played in every match including and had his first taste of the AFL Finals.
His 100-game milestone has seemingly arrived quickly due to the fact he has missed a total of just 15 senior matches since arriving at the Club.
“It means a lot,” Sherman said. “To play 100 games at such a great footy club is fantastic.”
“I was having a look at my locker door today and to soon be up there with guys like Lynchy (Alastair Lynch) is a great honour.”
“It’s something I never thought I’d achieve in such a short time.”
While Sherman will cherish his moment on Saturday, he is looking ahead to enjoying greater success with the Lions in future seasons.
“To play 100 games is something special, but I am certainly looking forward to playing a lot more matches with this great footy club,” Sherman said.
“I’ll be happy so long as I can keep playing my role for the team. Hopefully we can look forward to bigger or better things.”
“I think my best years are yet to come. I believe I’m still learning as a footy player,” he said.
“I have high expectations of myself and want to keep improving.”
