Angus sings the Double Blues
Angus Anderson has signed his first professional contract, agreeing to join the Sturt Double Blues in the South Australian National Football League for the 2023 season.
Angus, 19, spent this season in Sydney where he played for both the Sydney Swans NAB League and VFL teams. He was also an important part of the Allies team in the National Championships, captaining the team on one occasion and being included in the team’s three best players in each match he played.
Next year he’ll turn out for a strong Sturt outfit that finished fifth in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and played Finals footy. The Double Blues are coached by Marty Mattner who played over 200 matches in the AFL for the Adelaide Crows and Sydney Swans, winning the 2012 Premiership with the Swans.
Angus is understandably excited by the opportunity that playing with Sturt presents.
“I really felt wanted by Sturt and that was the main reason I decided to join. They’re a really strong club with a great coach and I just can’t wait to get over to Adelaide and get started,” Angus said.
“I haven’t given up on the dream of playing at AFL level, and the Sturt footy club supports me in pursuing that. If I do make it to the AFL, it won’t be via the traditional pathway of being drafted at 18, but it will be my pathway.”
Sturt coach Marty Mattner expressed his delight at the signing, and gave a strong indication about how Angus will be utilised.
“We are excited by Anderson’s inside clearance work and clean hands. He adds height and strength to our midfield line up,” Mattner said.
Angus is a product of the Sawtell Toormina Saints Junior and Senior clubs. He represented the North Coast Force at every age group and had several years in the Northern Heat program, proving that playing club footy on the North Coast is no barrier to progressing to the higher levels.
Angus joins another former North Coast product in Hamish Ellem (Grafton) playing in the SANFL, with Hamish being a member of the West Adelaide club.
