By JARROD POTTER
CATCHING the train to Morwell every week is what Jai Rout knows he has to do to improve as a footballer.
Pakenham footballer, 17-year-old Rout, is part of the Gippsland Power senior squad and makes the weekly journey down on the V/Line to make his mark at the TAC Cup club’s midweek training session.
This week’s journey back to Pakenham however came with particularly exciting news – Rout’s hard yards on the track had earned him a TAC Cup debut.
The wily forward/midfielder brought his hard-work and goal-sense from the South East Football League into the top junior league.
From only 50 per cent time on field – a limitation set on the TAC Cup 23rd man – Rout made an enormous impact as he booted two goals in the second half and roamed the forward line. He drilled a set-shot before sending through an impressive boundary-line snap to help curtail the Stingrays’ charge. While the Power couldn’t spark the win – downed by 21 points in the end – Rout was thrilled to run out as part of the Gippsland squad.
“It was pretty good – very excited to get the chance,” Rout said.
“I was pretty nervous but got on the ground, had my shot and it was a good experience.”
He hopes to keep his Gippsland spot – in the side and for next year’s squad in 2016 – but above all he’s just keen to keep improving week to week and executing the task at hand.
“It was quick… a lot more than local footy, but when I was on the ground I played my role and did whatever the coaches asked of me,” Rout said.
“I’d love to keep playing at TAC Cup level, it would be a lot better for me.”
Gippsland Power coach Leigh Brown said Rout had earned his spot through hard graft on the training track and deserved a chance at the TAC Cup level.
“We’re excited about him (Rout) making his debut,” Brown said on Thursday.
“His training form over the past two or three weeks has been very, very good and he knew the opportunity was drawing closer and presented itself after training.
“Now he can take it with both hands and make it his own.”
Rout wanted to thank his footy clubs, Hallam Senior College, family and friends for helping him achieve his goals so far on and off the footy field.
