Michael Hartley concedes he almost gave the game away after his first foray into the AFL was derailed by injury.
Drafted by Collingwood, Hartley spent two seasons on the rookie list.
But shoulder problems kept him on the sidelines for the majority of his stay.
Delisted and disillusioned, a conversation with his father reinvigorated his football career.
“He’s been in my corner from day one really … I wouldn’t be where I am without him,” Hartley said.
“It was very hard, I did nearly stop footy but in talking to my Dad he said ‘you’re still pretty young and if you really want to have another crack you should stay in Melbourne and play VFL’.
“So I did, ended up signing with Coburg, played there for two years and ended up getting drafted again.
“It ended up working out pretty well.”
Hartley was drafted by the Bombers last year and played 19 games. Along the way he set an Essendon record for the most one percenters in a game (20 v St Kilda) and a single season (185).
“I had a great opportunity – obviously it was sad what happened to the guys but it was an opportunity for me,” Hartley said.
“Playing on the biggest, baddest forwards every week was pretty cool and I had a lot of fun with it.
“I strung a few good games together which was pretty pleasing as well.”
Hartley said James Gwilt, Mark Baguley and Patty Ambrose played key roles in his development throughout the season.
The Dons will have All-Australians Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker back in the side in 2017 and with Mitch Brown also showing promise in defence, the side’s key defensive stocks are well nourished.
Hartley joined teammates in the Northern Territory this week for a series of cultural and community initiatives, starting with a clinic at the Michael Long Learning and Leadership Centre.
“It’s extremely hot – way too hot for me, I’m sweating bullets,” Hartley said.
“The Michael Long Centre looks awesome … all the kids look like they learn a lot and have a lot of fun.”
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti accompanied Hartley on the trip to the Top End.
The pair formed a close bond throughout their first AFL season.
“Walla and I both came from the VFL, we’re both pretty quiet and we sort of just hung onto each from the start,” he said.
“He’s a ripper, we always have a kick before every game, that’s our little routine.
“Walla’s just really easy to get along with.”
And the hundreds of children who met Walla in the Northern Territory this week would agree.