AT the end of most training sessions at Alberton you might spot Taj Schofield and Orazio Fantasia working on something extra together.
Whether it is some extra kicking, a quick hands drill or simply a chat about a piece of gameplay that just played out, the Port Adelaide draftee and experienced former Essendon forward have been spending a lot of time together.
Speaking to portadelaidefc.com.au, Schofield revealed while they might seem an unlikely pair, Fantasia has become a mentor for him since his arrival in the 2020 rookie draft.
“He’s another new face but Orazio Fantasia has been really good around the club just with helping me,” Schofield said.
“We play a similar position and he’s been a good mentor so far.
“Hopefully (I’ll line-up) in that wing or small forward position and hopefully kick a few goals.”
Schofield, 18, has just finished his first AFL pre-season, admitting it had been punishing and a big step-up from his time in the under 18s at Woodville-West Torrens.
“Pretty much after every session I’d go home and fall asleep as soon as I got home, then wake up around 6pm for dinner and then go to sleep again,” he said.
“It’s sort of good that it’s coming to an end now.
“It was obviously pretty tough at the start, just getting used to training and the workload is a big step up from Under 18s but it’s good that it’s all over now and we can get into games.”
Stuck as one of the youngest in a squad full of depth, Schofield knows he will have to bide his time in the SANFL and wait for an AFL opportunity, but it has not stopped him dreaming of breaking into the side.
Unlike those drafted at the end of 2019, Schofield will have the opportunity to play in the state league competition with Port Adelaide returning the AFL’s COVID-19 regulations prevented the club participating last year.
“It’s going to be much better having the Magpies around. It was a shame they weren’t around last year in the club’s 150th year but we’re really excited that they’re back and looking forward to it,” Schofield explained.
“The main goal for me is to make my (AFL) debut, whether that’s early in the season or late on.
“It would mean everything to make my debut.”
Schofield was part of Port Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy set-up as a father-son prospect.
His father Jarrad Schofield was a 2004 Premiership player with the club and is now midfield coach, but the teenager has not had any issue with his dad barking orders at him at training.
“It’s been fine. Everything has been running smoothly so far,” he smirked.
“He’s been there to coach me on a few things and I’ve asked him a few questions as well, settling into the AFL environment but it’s been fine.”
