Village Voice News - AFL - Khan-do attitude

Khan Haretuku, a 196 centimetre forward or ruckman, is on the verge of the big time.

As the holder of a much sought-after AFL scholarship, he may soon be considered for possible national draft selection, if all goes to plan.

In the meantime he will attend a series of intensive training camps during school holidays in Melbourne as part of the scholarship requirements. But first things first.

The well spoken Mascot boy is not looking too far ahead - preferring to see where destiny takes him - and has the support and guiding hand of his parents, dad Tau and mother Jennifer.

Khan, 16, is a Year 11 student at Marist Brothers, Pagewood.

"It's a good opportunity to gain the scholarship," Khan said. "I love playing AFL; it is my true passion.

"I have been playing AFL for three years, as I also played rugby league and rugby union. I enjoyed all three sports, but my preference is now for AFL."

Khan, who plays for University of NSW/Eastern Bulldogs in the Sydney AFL second-grade team, caught the eye of the AFL recruitment people from St Kilda for his height, skill and athleticism at the recent AFL talent camp at St Ignatius College.

St Kilda's Sydney recruitment man, Danny Ryan, approached Khan and his parents about his playing future.

"St Kilda has been very professional with the way they have handled the whole process with Khan," Mr Haretuku said.

Khan said he was determined to complete his HSC next year and was also looking at TAFE study in vocational areas such as PE teaching and sports-related studies.