‘No-one has begrudged me this opportunity’

PRETTY soon, this Indian summer we are having will take its leave, and we will all turn our thoughts towards the winter oasis that is Christmas. Zach Tuohy has had his eyes on the month of December for some time already.

He turns 19 a fortnight before Christmas Day, and is hoping to receive the ultimate present by way of a phone call from Melbourne — a professional contract offer from Carlton Football Club.

Nothing is set in stone yet, but the signs are good. He flew out to Australia last month for a trial with the AFL side, and the club’s general manager of football operations, Stephen Icke, spoke highly of him when his week was wrapped.