A talented Tasmanian draftee has reflected on a pre-season mistake that resulted in a ten-game suspension and a blight on his top-age campaign.
Left-footed backman Arie Schoenmaker, who has rocketed into first-round calculations but remains a likely second-rounder in November, was banished by the Tasmania Devils in the pre-season after he supplied alcohol to younger teammates.
The indiscretion put a significant dent in the youngster's top-age season, as he was left to suit up for Launceston in the Tasmanian Football League until he was eligible to return to play for the Devils in the Coates Talent League.
Schoenmaker, who was one of the leaders of this year's talented Devils brigade, lamented his costly decision.
"I bought the boys some alcohol after a game when I was a leader [of the] team," Schoenmaker said via Fox Sports.
"I was a second-year player and I encouraged drinking with the young boys. I just didn't use my leadership skills in a positive way."
Tassie teammate Colby McKercher, whose tantalising midfield talents make him a projected top-five selection on November 20, claimed Schoenmaker's mistake slowed his progress this year, though added it fuelled in building his long-term character.
"He had some off-field stuff that slowed down his season at the start of the year, but it really helped him build his character," McKercher said via Fox Sports.
"It was a bit of a reality check ... He really matured and really showed how bad he wants it."
While the error served as a setback at the time, it also offered the Apple Isle native the opportunity to examine how he could progress professionally.
"To put goals and structure in place, then trying to get to the next level, it made me realise how bad I wanted it," Schoenmaker said.
The 18-year-old's gargantuan left foot earned him a spot in Fox Footy's Longest Kick competition, though it's the way he uses the ball that is equally, if not more impressive.
Schoenmaker shapes as one of the most talented playmaking defenders among this year's crop of incoming backmen, having utilised his left foot to kickstart offensive chains from the back half on numerous occasions for the Devils this year upon his return.
While his attacking mindset was a weapon for Tasmania in the Talent League, it was also a valuable asset for the title-winning Allies during the National Championships, where he also flashed his positional versatility on a wing.
Schoenmaker will learn his AFL fate later in the month, when the 2023 National Draft gets underway on November 20 and continues into a second night on November 21.
