Every AFL journey is different and there is no doubt the Patrick Veszpremi story has its own unique twists and turns. First things first, Veszpremi’s name was up in lights well before it was called at Pick 11 in the 2011 National Draft. He was one of five players whose final year of junior football was documented by journalist Emma Quayle and published in her best selling book, The Draft. The other subjects of that story were Trent Cotchin, Ben McEvoy, Cyril Rioli and Brad Ebert.

The aforementioned have all gone on to be elite players in the AFL, Veszpremi might not have, but his story is still one worth telling. It highlights the brutality of the football industry but also of the benefits one can achieve even if they don’t, like most won’t, “make it” in the AFL.

The highs were making his debut and kicking four goals against Brisbane, for which he earned two Brownlow votes, in his first season. The lows were fluctuations in form, homesickness, lack of opportunity and a constant battle with fitness.

At the end of the 2013 season the 24-year-old finds himself club-less, but at peace. He still loves the game and hopes he will get another chance, but if his AFL journey has come to an end, he rests comfortably knowing he gave it his best and is a better person for the experience.

While his enjoyment for the game wained in the tough times, his love for fly fishing is a constant and something to transport his mind and body into his happy place, a release he believes every AFL footballer needs.