Schulz aiming to resurrect career

By James Matthey

When Sam Schulz became the first player to sign with the AFL’s newest franchise, he could have been forgiven for thinking that he was on the path to AFL stardom.

However, his career has stalled since then, with form slumps and injury concerns limiting the 20-year old to just a solitary appearance for the western Sydney club’s senior side.

Culcairn-born Schulz’s fortunes appear to be changing for the better now, stringing together six consecutive matches for the UWS GIANTS in the NEAFL after missing the start of the 2013 campaign due to a post-season shoulder operation.

In two of those six games, Schulz was voted as the team’s best player, showing form that he is hoping will have him back in the GIANTS first team in the near future.

“Definitely, that’s always the goal,” said Schulz.

“I started the season late because I was a bit crook and missed the first six or seven weeks.

“I’ve played the last four or five (games) and the form’s been improving, I’m feeling fit so hopefully I can string a few together and see where it leads me.

“The fitness is back, so it’s just a matter of putting my hand up for selection by playing a couple of good ones in the ressies.

“I’m definitely keen to get another chance in the ones soon.”

Schulz’s career achievements to date haven’t matched the exceptional promise he showed as a junior in the Riverina, when he dominated the Hume League and earned a spot in Culcairn’s first grade team at just 14.

His talent was recognised with selection in the NSW/ACT Rams Under-16s and Under-18s sides, and AFL was lucky to snap the gun sportsman up after he represented NSW in both tennis and athletics as a schoolboy.

Schulz said he was enjoying being part of a GIANTS squad that boasts a stack of players who have graduated from local Riverina leagues to the elite level of AFL football.

“There’s a fair crew there now, so it’s pretty exciting,” said Schulz. 

“There’s six or seven from the area now.

“Zac’s (Williams) been going really well, he’s played three or four games now which is great for him.

“Joey (Redfern) played well on the weekend for UWS and has been going well.

“It’s good having those boys up there, and obviously Kurt (Aylett), Towno (Jacob Townsend), Mark (Wiley) and Anthony (Miles) as well from the area.”

Schulz made a return to Wagga Wagga on Tuesday with teammates as he spent time watching schoolboys and girls compete in the Southern NSW Zone Finals of the GIANTS Cup, an opportunity he was all too happy to take up.

“I don’t get back that much so it’s a good opportunity now with the week off,” he said.

“Other than that I probably won’t get home until the end of the season so it’s good to get back and catch up with everyone.”

The GIANTS have the bye this weekend before resuming their season against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday June 30.