For the second time in three years, parents Jack and Kathryn Talia will sit down to watch the AFL Draft anxious to learn if one of their sons will be leaving the nest and moving interstate to pursue a childhood dream.
In 2009, it was middle child Daniel.
One of the hottest key-position prospects in the ‘09’ national draft, Daniel Talia didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called by the Crows at pick No.13.
Tomorrow night, it will be youngest Talia sibling, Michael waiting to discover his football fate.
Training commitments won’t allow Daniel to return home to Melbourne to watch the television coverage of the 2011 national draft with his brother and family, but he said it was likely he would spend Thursday night pacing the corridors of his ‘surrogate’ family’s house (girlfriend Megan and her parents) watching the count unfold.
“I’ll be watching on TV and hoping Michael gets picked up,” Daniel told afc.com.au.
“As soon as he does, I’m sure I’ll be straight on the phone to him.
“I’m excited to see where he ends up. He’s worked hard just like I did before I got drafted.
“Hopefully, he gets picked up early and I’m sure he’ll be happy regardless of which club he goes to.”
Like Daniel, Michael is a key-position defender.
The 18-year-old earned All-Australian honours at full-back during the Under-18 Championships, following in the footsteps of Daniel, who received the nod at centre half-back in ‘09’.
At 192cm, Michael is slightly shorter than his older brother (196cm), but possesses a similar build and also shares Daniel’s passion for the one-on-one contest.
“Michael’s probably similar to me at the same age,” Daniel said.
“He has all the same attributes. He’s probably a better mark than me, but I was probably a bit more agile and better on the ground.
“He’s come along pretty well and there are some good wraps on him, so hopefully he gets picked up and shows a bit.”
Michael is tipped to be taken middle-to-late in the first round in the draft at Sydney Olympic Park.
The Crows hold a pick at No.27 and Daniel said he’d spoken to National Recruiting Manager Matt Rendell about getting Michael across to West Lakes.
“I’ve bailed Matt up a few times this year to ask about Michael, but he keeps his cards pretty close to his chest,” he said.
“I’ve got no idea where Michael’s going to end up.
“It would be awesome if he came here.
“We’d be competing for the same spot, which would be a bit of a challenge, but I’d love it if we drafted him.
“It would be great for our family especially mum and dad.”
The brothers grew up doing everything together in a bid to reach their common goal of playing AFL.
They were only one grade apart at Assumption College and crossed over in junior ranks at the Calder Cannons.
“We used to do everything together growing up, all our training,” Daniel said.
“We were always pretty competitive and being the youngest, Michael was always trying to beat me in races and anything we did.
“It was good having a brother to train with and someone who loved all the same things I did.
“He’s been a big help to me even if he might not know it.
“Living in different states now, we obviously don’t get to see each other as much, but I speak to him at least once a week.
“If he’s playing on the weekend, I’ll always call him to see how he went and talk about the game.
“He’s very independent, but if he wants to know anything he’ll just send me a text or give me a quick call."
The oldest brother in the Talia clan is 22-year-old Adrian.
The ‘academic’ of the family, Adrian is in his fourth year of Medicine at University in Melbourne.
“Adrian got all the brains,” Daniel said with a laugh.
“Michael and I better stick to footy.”
Check back on afc.com.au from 6:15 tonight for a live chat and the first interviews with the club’s draftees.
As the Crows prepare for season 2012 on the track, be sure to visit 19thman.com.au and renew or join the Club for 2012.
