Tom Blamires' AFL selection was a matter of when, not if, according to Frankston Dolphins VFL coach Jackson Kornberg.
Blamires became the latest SSP signing, with North Melbourne finalising their 2026 list on Wednesday, adding the most recent Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medallist, continuing a 19-year trend.
But the new Roo's journey was unlike most, having been overlooked for the draft and cut from state-league clubs, proving his resilience was key.
"It's a really good story, not only Frankston but the VFL," Kornberg told Zero Hanger.
"He's a kid that got cut three years ago, wasn't drafted out of Dragons, went to VFL the year after, got cut, went to local, was a train-on, came back, and after three years, won a best and fairest with (Frankston), Fothergill (Medal), and now is an SSP player.
"It's a great story. And just because it doesn't happen straight away, it can still happen if you work hard and have a bit of resilience.
"But everyone who knows him would say he belongs at AFL level."
Blamires and Kornberg's relationship goes way back to his time at Coates Talent League club Sandringham Dragons.
The Dolphins coach believes the 23-year-old has the attributes to slot straight into the top-flight competition, which is clearly the reason why North Melbourne locked him away.
"I think he's work rate is elite. It's AFL level," Kornberg added.
"He's ability to get from contest to contest. His decision making with the ball. They're the main things.
"I think playing as a running defender or wing or mid at AFL level, he'll be able to showcase that."
But Kornberg delved into the reason as to why it took Blamires until now to get his AFL opportunity.
"In a lot of teams Tommy has played in, he's played with a lot of top end talent," he said.
"You look at Dragons, and we had 13 drafted [in 2021] at Sandy. He was playing with a lot of AFL-listed players. He was being overshadowed.
"But I think in the last 12 months, I think he has been doing the overshadowing."
Blamires is set to feature against Collingwood on Sunday in the final hitout before the 2026 season, and could push his case forward for a debut.
The Kangaroos open their account against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on March15.
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