Sam Menegola will achieve a lifetime goal when he makes his AFL debut against Adelaide at Simonds Stadium on Saturday night.
As the timeline below illustrates, his footballing story has been one of persistence and resilience.
SAM MENEGOLA CAREER TIMELINE
December 2010: Selected by Hawthorn with pick 19 in the rookie draft
October 2011: Delisted by Hawthorn without having played an AFL game
December 2011: Selected by Fremantle with pick 44 in the rookie draft
October 2014: Delisted by Fremantle without having played an AFL game
September 2015: Plays for Subiaco in the WAFL. Is part of Subiaco's premiership team. Finishes third in Sandover Medal despite playing just 12 games
November 2015: Drafted by Geelong with pick 66 in the national draft
February 2016: Makes NAB Challenge debut for Geelong against Collingwood at Simonds Stadium. Suffers a knee injury early in the game
June 2016: Returns to the field in the VFL Cats' clash with Sandringham
July 2016: Racks up 48 disposals in the VFL Cats' win over Werribee at Simonds Stadium. Subsequently selected as an emergency for the Cats' AFL clash with Adelaide. Gets a late call-up to take on the Crows after ruckman Zac Smith is "managed"
