FOURTEEN months after declining an invitation to the 2013 NAB AFL Draft Combine, Josh Glenn says he's now mature enough and mentally ready to carve out an AFL career.
The South Australian caught the attention of AFL clubs last year following an outstanding season in the SANFL, in which he finished sixth in Central District's best-and-fairest award, and won the League's Star Search Award for best emerging talent.
Overwhelmed by the spotlight, and the pressure that accompanied it, Glenn turned down the opportunity to test at the weeklong combine at Etihad Stadium, and instead chose to spend another year playing in the SANFL.
A move from defence into the midfield in season 2014, saw the 20-year-old average 20 disposals and four clearances a game at senior level for the Central Districts and once again attracted the attention of recruiters.
When asked again to attend the Draft Combine this year, Glenn leapt at the chance.
"Last year was my first year of senior footy and I didn’t think I was ready to take that next step into the AFL," he told AFL.com.au at the combine.
"I felt like I needed another year to mature and get used to it and now I'm ready to go. I think my body was ready for AFL but I just think mentally, in my head, I wasn't ready to take that step.
"I feel like I've come back better and stronger this year."
The midfielder has worked hard this year to ready himself for the rigors of a potential AFL career.
He quit his full-time job, took up a part-time gig with his dad's food refrigeration business and committed himself to improving his footy.
He's spent countless hours in the gym as well adding bulk as well to his 180cm frame.
"The coaches have given me a lot more confidence in my footy and backed me in every week so that's helped," Glenn said.
"Even my parents have helped me a lot through it ... I've matured in every way.
"You can't really regret anything you've done. You can't dwell on it so I've just got to have a crack this year and move on with it."
Prior to the combine, Glenn had spoken to nine AFL clubs, but after a solid week of testing the 20-year-old had undergone interviews with several more.
Last year the young South Australian questioned whether or not he would cope moving interstate away from his family.
But over a year later he has no doubts that he would thrive at an AFL club and would happily move away from home if it meant achieving his dream.
"A lot of kids sometimes rush it and think 'I just want to play AFL footy' and then they end up coming home," Glenn said.
"I didn't want to make that mistake. I felt like if I could have another year of league footy I could prove myself this year, instead of making that mistake."
