NO footballer enjoys watching from the sidelines and Daniel Currie has done his fair share of spectating in his three years with the Sydney Swans.
Since being drafted by the Swans at No.49 in the 2006 National Draft, the 200cm youngster looked on as his Swans reserves teammates won a premiership while he completed his year 12 studies in 2007.
He’s also watched fellow Swans ruckmen Jesse White and Mike Pyke play good footy for the senior team this season as he worked to regain form and fitness in the seconds.
But with a solid month in the Swans reserves under his belt, Currie is eyeing his own shot at the big time in the second half of the season.
“It was tough to take in, watching them out there and running around and doing pretty well,” he said of watching White and Pyke’s performances from the stands.
“I’m obviously happy for them to do well, but at the same time, I’m competing for a similar opportunity and it’s frustrating to see them leapfrog ahead of you.”
The 20-year-old said seeing so many of his Northern Knights teammates play at senior level – including fellow Swans Patrick Veszpremi and Brett Meredith – had also stoked the competitive fire.
“You’re happy for them but, at the same time, you know you’re the same age and you came through the ranks with them, so you sort of want to be out there playing against them,” Currie said.
“At the Knights, we had a pretty strong age level in terms of draftees produced – blokes like Jack Grimes (Melbourne), Matty Kreuzer (Carlton) and Patty Veszpremi and Brett Meredith here. (Richmond’s) Trent Cotchin is another one.
“There are a few who are making a name for themselves and I definitely want to be out there playing alongside them and playing against them.”
After completing his year 12 studies, Currie relocated to Sydney at the same time as Veszpremi and Meredith for the 2008 pre-season.
However, his progress was restricted by injuries last year, including a persistent groin complaint.
The same ailment cruelled his plan at the start of this year’s pre-season to push for a senior berth in round one.
“It was pretty exciting to hear that and then for things not to go to plan was pretty frustrating, but I came to terms with that pretty quickly,” Currie said.
“For now, it’s just been really about getting to a consistent level where I am able to put my hand up to be picked for the seniors. That’s been my focus playing back at reserves level.”
The dual ruck-forward role is a familiar one for Currie, whose junior footy career was spent “playing a bit everywhere”.
But an increased focus on his athleticism and mobility in the past month – and an improved fitness base – has taken his game to a new level.
“Initially, I was playing a bit deep and if anything, I was a bit anchored to the forward 50 and wasn’t sort of presenting enough,” he said.
“That’s one thing that’s correlated with that solid month of footy – my work rate, leading up and playing at centre half-forward and being a consistent option up to the wings.
“It’s definitely a great asset to have as well as being a competent ruckman. If you can push forward and kick goals and be a dangerous forward, it’s definitely a string to your bow that can be a massive positive.”
After three years of watching and waiting, Currie and the Swans’ coaching staff will be hoping that the positives keep on coming.
