On the eve of the 2014 season, Alex Morgan was questioning whether he had the drive to play in the TAC Cup, Victoria’s elite under age competition.

He had risen through the Oakleigh Chargers system and was in line for Vic Metro honours.

But something wasn’t right.

He told coaches how he was feeling and tried to stick it out for a few weeks, but before a ball was bounced in the home and away season he decided to step away.

“He was really good about it, really mature,” Oakleigh Chargers Coach Mick Stinear said. 

“He told us he didn’t really have the passion for it and wanted to focus on University and have some time out.

“He went and played at Forest Hill in their senior side for 12 months. 

“He enjoyed his time at Forest Hill and playing with his mates and towards the end of the year, seeing some of his good mates get drafted – I think he realised there was a genuine opportunity there.”

At the end of 2014, Morgan was refreshed and ready to step back on to football’s junior pathway.

“Going back to a local level you realise the difference in standard and I guess that was something that opened my eyes to the fact you want to be playing at the highest level of football possible,” Morgan said.

“For me, taking a step back was something that I needed and I think it’s helped me develop in my footy and maturity.”

The TAC Cup is an under 18 competition but allows for a limited number of 19 year olds to take the field each week.

The Chargers were coming off a premiership when Morgan presented his case to the coaches.

“He wrote a really good email to us, just outlining reasons why he should be considered as a 19 year old,” Stinear said. 

“The main thing that stuck with me was that he needed that year off, but now he was ready to have a genuine go at realising his dream and if given the opportunity he wouldn’t let anyone down. 

“That last line stuck in my mind and then as soon as he stepped foot on the track he never looked back.

“He was fantastic throughout the pre-season and continued that during the year.”

Morgan averaged 19 possessions a game for Oakleigh and despite some hamstring troubles, was a part of the Grand Final side as the Chargers went back-to-back. 

Last week the Bombers selected him in the second round of the National Draft.

He’s had to work hard for his opportunity but knows that hard work is only just beginning.