Happy homecoming for new Magpie Angus

JUST weeks after being drafted by Collingwood, Angus Anderson was back at Richardson Park where his football journey first began.

With almost 50 juniors from the Sawtell/Toormina Saints in attendance, Anderson signed autographs, answered questions, handed out some Magpies merchandise and posed for photos this morning hoping to inspire the next generation of players while he enjoys a short stint at home.

“It’s awesome. I’ve played footy here for the last 18 years so I obviously have a lot to thank for North Coast footy and Sawtell Saints itself and that’s the pathway that I’ve developed in,” Anderson said.

“I think if I can just show some of these guys that it actually is possible if they stick at footy for a little while longer then I think I’ve done my job.”

It’s only a quick visit but as the sun shone down at Richardson Park, Angus was appreciative for what he had while growing up in Sawtell.

“I’m leaving on Chrissy Eve so I’ll quickly shoot down here for a few days and catch some of this lovely weather,” the 22 year-old said.

“Melbourne is just so unpredictable with the weather but I’m loving it down here, 30 degrees and the beach and the surf and everything like that so I’m happy to be home.”

Since being drafted by the Pies with Pick No.57 on November 20, Anderson has had a whirlwind few weeks.

First he had to come home from the UK after cutting short a trek around Europe. Then it was his first introduction to the club followed by a stint in the Northern Territory where he particpated in Collingwood’s Cultural Immersion Program at Tennant Creek before returning to Melbourne for a block of pre-season training.

So after the first month, has being on an AFL list finally sunk in for Anderson?

“Officially I’d like to say no but I’ve been moving around a bit in Collingwood but I think after the last three weeks I’ve kind of half way settled in and I’m loving it,” he said.