SANDOVER medallist Haiden Schloithe knows he didn't make the most of his AFL chance at Fremantle, but insists he has learnt what it takes to cut it at the elite level.
Four years after being delisted, Schloithe is trying not to get his hopes up that he'll receive another shot in the upcoming drafts.
It is an anxious time, however the 183cm and 85kg midfield bull can rest assured he couldn't have done much more to push his case at South Fremantle this year.
The 24-year-old dominated the WAFL and claimed the League's best and fairest award after polling 52 votes.
Only recently-retired West Coast champion Matt Priddis (58 votes in 2006) and former hard-running Port Adelaide midfielder Kane Mitchell (58 in 2012) have fared better in a season.
After finally getting an injury-free run, Schloithe's rare talent as a prolific ball-winner and attacking threat caught everyone's attention this year as he propelled his game to new heights.
He averaged 28 disposals and booted 30 goals in 22 matches, and was simply unstoppable during a mid-year purple patch.
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In a stunning five-game stretch he collected a combined 158 possessions and snared 17 majors – featuring three hauls of four goals and a bag of five.
It’s little wonder South Fremantle coach Todd Curley is adamant Schloithe could make an immediate impact at the top level next year.
But with a month still to go until the NAB AFL Draft, the powerful onballer is trying not to think too far ahead.
"I try not to get too excited and amped about it," Schloithe told AFL.com.au.
"I feel like if I expect something to happen I'll just have that real disappointment of not getting picked up.
"Obviously getting a bit closer to (draft) week I'll get a bit more excited and nervous, but we'll just have to wait and see."
Schloithe was delisted by the Dockers at the end of 2013 after failing to play a game in two seasons on the rookie list.
Originally from the small country town of Katanning, he had only been living in Perth for 12 months when he was recruited, and struggled with the step up in professionalism at a time when Fremantle was building towards its most successful era.
"Being on the rookie list you've got to do everything plus more to get that opportunity," Schloithe said.
Indicative draft order after the Trade Period
"If I get that second opportunity I'd be doing everything that I can.
"After the season I've had I've got that real burning desire again.
"I was able to play consistently well each and every week, whereas in previous years I'd play two or three good ones and drop away for a couple.
"I feel like my game has developed and I've matured as a person, so fingers crossed."
While Schloithe has been linked to West Coast, which is scouring the country for engine room reinforcements, he hadn't spoken to many clubs before the recent WA Combine.
Time will tell if that means anything for the WAFL star, whose coach is urging AFL recruiters to snap up a ready-to-go midfielder.
"Haiden was pretty young when he got the first chance - he's certainly grown up a lot since then," Curley said.
"If you took him he'd give you another option to start in round one.
"He can obviously have a real impact as a midfielder, but he's very dangerous in the forward 50 as well. The biggest thing for us is he makes his teammates better.
"He's certainly really well-rounded and ready to play."
