Brayshaw roots remain in west
Exciting midfielder Angus Brayshaw says he considers himself a West Australian playing in Victoria as he prepares for next month's national draft.
Brayshaw was born in WA, but moved interstate as a two-year-old to live in South Australia and Victoria.
His father Mark played for Claremont and North Melbourne, but Angus has played his junior football for the Sandringham Dragons.
Despite not remembering his time in WA, he often returns to Perth to visit family and said it was his home away from home.
"I definitely see myself as a West Australian at heart," Brayshaw said.
"I've been fortunate enough to play for Victoria throughout my junior football career and my grandparents, who are right into my footy, have been West Australians for 70 years.
"When I play against Western Australia in the carnivals, it breaks their hearts.
"I'll always remember where I come from. I was born in Western Australia."
Sport has been a huge part of Brayshaw's life. His grandfather Ian is a WA cricket icon and played in Claremont's 1964 WAFL premiership.
His uncle, James, played first-class cricket for WA and SA and is currently the president of North Melbourne.
His dad is also on the Kangaroos' board and has worked for Fremantle, Port Adelaide and Richmond.
Angus' WA roots are linked to his choice of football team because he followed his mum's lead and barracks for Fremantle.
A 187cm midfielder, he loves watching David Mundy, Nat Fyfe, and Ryan Crowley play.
The teenager played cricket and competed in hurdles, but has always dedicated himself to becoming an AFL player and said his father's experience had been crucial for his development.
Mark Brayshaw is the interim chief executive officer of the AFL Coaches Association and has close relationships with several senior coaches.
Rated as one of the best juniors in the country, Brayshaw said those relationships had been incredible for him to utilise and would be beneficial in the build-up to the draft.
"Even before he (Mark) was the interim CEO, he played with North Melbourne, so Alastair Clarkson and John Longmire were teammates at North and he played with Guy McKenna at Claremont," Angus said.
"I'm very fortunate that I've been able to connect with these people.
"At draft interviews, guys are making decisions on your future and most players don't know much about them and that can be frightening.
"Knowing them means I'm not walking in and sitting in front of strangers and that makes me feel a lot more comfortable."
An ankle injury sustained during TAC Cup finals will stop Brayshaw from taking part in fitness testing during this week's draft combine, but he said doctors had cleared him of ligament damage or fractures.
I'll always remember where I come from."Angus Brayshaw
