Hawthorn has bolstered its Next Generation Academy stocks, with exciting prospect Tony Olango agreeing to join the club’s academy program in NT.
The program is part of a joint initiative between the AFL and clubs, designed to increase the opportunities for young people from multicultural and indigenous communities to play AFL.
Olango was born in Kenya to South Sudanese parents, and moved to Darwin when he was two years old. The 18-year-old stands at over 200cm tall.
A natural athlete, Olango travelled to Scotland at 14 to pursue his soccer dream by trialling with the Glasgow Rangers. An ill-timed groin injury meant his dream was not to be, and Olango instead switched his sights to AFL.
He has spent the last two years playing with both St Mary's Football Club and NT Thunder, and has shown flashes of brilliance amid a few niggling injuries that have prevented the aspiring ruck man from stringing together regular games.
Recruiting and List Manager Graham Wright said joining the academy will assist Olango in realising his AFL potential.
“He’s an exciting prospect with his height and great athleticism,” said Wright.
“He has only played a handful of games, so we can expect to see plenty of development.
“Joining our academy will assist his understanding of the game, and help to fast track his growth.”
Olango was impressive at the 2016 NAB Draft Combine, registering top 10 finishes in both the running vertical jump and 20m sprint tests.
High hopes for 200cm recruit
Tony Olango has agreed to join Hawthorn's academy program in NT.
