Sunday Herald Sun
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Second time around: Former Saint Andrew McQualter.
THERE is no sense of fairness to the brutal rhythms of AFL football.
Six months after St Kilda midfielder Andrew McQualter started his third AFL season as a youngster on the rise, he was discarded as unwanted.
It took one mediocre season for the former Vic Country captain and number 17 draft pick of 2004 to be cast aside, despite the 21-year-old having another season to run on a two-year deal.
McQualter admits he failed to make ground as expected this year but was shocked to be let go by coach Ross Lyon.
Now he is determined to find a new home where he can harness the talent he undoubtedly possesses.
McQualter will nominate for the national and pre-season drafts, and is young enough to be rookie-listed by a club looking for midfield depth.
"I am very hopeful. I still think I have plenty to offer AFL footy, so hopefully I get another chance somewhere else," he said.
"It was a bit frustrating that I wasn't able to see out the contract, but hopefully I will get another spot and we can go from there."
McQualter has been training daily while living back in Traralgon with his parents and on Friday started a stint with Hawthorn.
If overlooked he is determined to thrive in the VFL to thrust his name forward.
A hard, inside midfielder, McQualter added bulk to his frame this pre-season to carry out tagging jobs but admits his season never got going.
"At the start of last season I tried to put on weight and, unfortunately, got a little bit too heavy. The first two years I had improved both times and the third year I just stagnated," he said.
"(Lyon) called me in. He was very honest and up-front and said, 'We don't see a spot in our team for you, so we are better off trying to give you a chance to go somewhere else'. I am not dirty at all.
"There have been plenty of cases when people have made it at a later age. Brett Kirk is a good example. He only started at 21 and has won two best-and-fairests. You have to stay positive and see what happens."
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