Cannon Graduate making the most of his opportunity.
Taking his chances: Zak Wunhym has made an impact since coming into the senior side.
Of the graduated Calder Cannons from 2015, the first half of the VFL season saw the likes of Ben Allan, Matthew Stillman, Mark Kovacevic, Dylan Tarczon and most notably Luke Ryan all earn senior opportunities, as well as current Cannon Karl Brown.
In recent weeks, five has turned into six. After weeks of industrious efforts in the development league midfield, Zak Wunhym’s form was enough to knock down the door to open an opportunity for him to earn his spot in the senior side.
One of eleven players to make the transition from RAMS Arena to Piranha Park over the summer, the decision for the Keilor Junior to join Coburg was an easy one for him.
“I was aware of the strong relationship Coburg and Calder were building. I felt as though both clubs held the same morals and principles as a football club, which made my transition into the VFL a lot smoother. Both Seb and Leesy are very approachable and professional -they were able to make myself feel comfortable in the decision I was making. Both were honest and realistic when it came to discussing my future with the Coburg Football Club.”
However, that wasn’t the only thing that was knocked on the path towards his senior debut. The first practice match of 2016 against Werribee, Zak would injure his shoulder after copping a knock during the third quarter, which would set him out of action for a fortnight. Up to that point, Zak had a good game himself and would make his first official appearance for the club in the Development League’s season opener against Port Melbourne.
While the young Lions would romp to an impressive 64-point win that day, Zak’s day ended early and was the first of five interchange rotations whose day would end early, having a tooth dislodged. Another fortnights worth of football was to be missed.
“To be honest, they were actually a lot easier to overcome as they weren’t long term injuries. It was just really frustrating as it was during the beginning of the season which made me miss the opening 3-4 rounds, and also knowing that one of the injuries most likely could of been avoided.”
Upon return, Zak would continue to work hard, and was rewarded. For the round 12 clash with Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval, he was named as 23rd man. It was a crunch match for both sides. Coburg after winning two games in a row to kick start its season were coming off a loss to Port Melbourne for the second time for the season, while Werribee had lost four in a row having being billed as a premiership contender by most experts in the pre-season.
That day, Wunhym made an impressive debut- 21 possessions, as well as 14 handball receives and 10 tackles as the Lions would defeat the Tigers by 14 points- the clubs first win at Werribee in almost a decade. Two of his 21 touches would also result in his contribution to the final score line of 19 behinds for the match.
Looking back, Zak would fondly remember his debut. “Building up to the game I was quiet nervous but I was retold many of times it was just another game of footy. During the game I felt quite comfortable, however the game speed and quality of football was at a standard that I’ve never played. After the game, it was a surreal feeling being in the middle and singing the Coburg song for my first ever senior win- the boys got around me which made the win so much sweeter.”
Zak retained his spot once again as 23rd man in the 12-point win against Footscray impressing once again with a 25 disposal performance- where he also managed his first VFL goal. That goal came at a crucial time in the game- it put the match out of the Bulldogs reach as the Lions held on to win. And recently, on the weekend, despite Sandy being a class above, Zak again managed to be among the Lions’ major ball winners- a 23 touch effort and named in the coaches best.
Despite the lows of suffering injury setbacks to the highs of exceeding expectations at senior level, Zak has seen his VFL debut season as nothing but a learning experience, just like most youngsters. “In all honesty, I have thought my season has been fairly consistent. I can’t complain about my season so far, with me making my debut into the senior squad which I wasn’t expecting to happen so early on. It has been such an amazing experience to play alongside some of the best players in the VFL and AFL. I just hope that I am able to keep playing my best footy for myself and also the team.”
Zak also credits the coaching staff for the way the 2016 season has turned out for him- especially Senior Coach Peter German, and Development League Coach Marcus Hastings. “They have both had a detrimental impact towards myself as a young football player. It is actually really good to experience both coaching methods, which assist me in gaining further knowledge about my positioning and game analysis. You have Germo- who is super passionate and knowledgeable about the game in all areas, who’s coaching methods are sometimes viewed as old fashioned, but a method that I and most boys relate to. Whereas Hasto is also knowledgeable in all areas but is more your calm and collected coach and is one of the reasons why I’ve gotten the opportunity to play senior footy.”
Not to be outdone, his line coaches at both levels- especially Ricky Petterd, as well as Adam Paterson have also had an impact. “It’s such a good experience to listen to someone who has played so many games of AFL. He has been able to give me constructive feedback and criticism to better my game. He alongside Adam Paterson have really helped me with holding my structure and playing my role for the team.”
And like most first year players in state league competitions Nationwide, Zak harbors AFL ambitions, however also realizes it’s not as easy as what most people think, but for now is just wanting to enjoy his footy. “Look, to play AFL has always been a dream since I was little, but as you get older you realise actually how hard it is to be on an AFL list. My dream is still there to play and that’s why I am here assigned at a VFL club, however my main goal is just to play the best footy I can, and to reach my full potential.”
One player Zak models his game on, in comparison to is Geelong Captain Joel Selwood. “I model my game on this particular player as he is always in and under winning the contested ball, however he also has a vast ability to win the outside ball when it is his turn to do so.”
And while ten other Cannons teammates of his from his two years at the club also joined him in the Lions’ Den over the off season, he has also managed to branch out beyond his comfort zone with other teammates in neighboring zones across Melbourne. “I’ve kept my good relationship going with the boys from Calder- which include the likes of Matt Stillman, Josh Flower and Mitch Conn, but I have also found myself building relationships with boys such as Michael Ercolano, Adam Valeri and Garrett McDonagh.”
Influenced: Zak receives his jumper on debut from Tom Goodwin, captain of the side that day.
However, his biggest influence within the club is one of the leaders. “I would
have to say Tommy Goodwin. His leadership on and off the field has inspired me and pushed me to become more and more professional with my actions on and off the field.”
Externally, like most other young footballers, Zak credits his parents for his influence. “Since I started playing footy, my parents have always stuck by my dream and passion to play football. They have never missed a game since I started playing football regardless of what level. I honestly can’t thank them enough.”
Having been a member of the Penleigh and Essendon Grammar graduating class of 2015, one individual- who made the AFL after seasons of persistence in the VFL ,had quite an influence on him, especially with regards to his school football in the AGSV competition. “Adam Marcon is one of the most genuine blokes I have ever met. His knowledge about football, always keeps amazing me. During my football whilst at PEGS, he was able to give me a lot of advice on how to deal with taggers and how to stay mentally focused whilst doing so. I hope he is enjoying his time at Richmond and can’t wait to play against him one day!”
Coburg’s Development League side Assistant and Midfield line Coach Adam Paterson was full of praise for Zak and his progress since arriving at Piranha Park. “He had a slow start to the year with a couple of injuries but when he came back to the Development side he was a key member to our midfield. I found when he stuck to his role and structure he was important to the side and to his credit he has got his chance as a 23rd man for our senior team and to his credit has played really good and hard footy. I think Zak will be a big part of the future for the Coburg Football Club in the years to come.”
As he looks towards the end of the 2016 season- Zak will not only be looking to put his best foot forward for himself, but more importantly for the team as they aspire . The experiences from 2016 will be valuable as he looks towards achieving the best out of himself for his footy.
