THE inevitable comparisons to his older brother Cam don’t faze Zach Guthrie.
The 17-year-old has this year become the third Guthrie brother to represent Calder Cannons, following in the footsteps of Geelong on-baller Cam and Cats VFL development squad member Josh.
Zach had to achieve his TAC Cup dream the hard way after missing out on a place in the Cannons’ squad last year.
The Sunbury College student returned to his local club, Sunbury Lions, disappointed but with an unwavering focus to earn an opportunity with Calder in 2016.
“I was obviously a bit disappointed when I didn’t get picked but I knew that if I put together a solid season, hopefully I’d make the summer training list and try and impress them,” Guthrie said.
Guthrie’s determination paid off when he was invited to take part in pre-season with the Cannons, an opportunity he knew he had to seize.
“This year I’ve decided to give up basketball seeing as I was picked for the summer training squad. I guess it’s paid off, getting a few games early in the season,” he said.
Guthrie’s older brother, Cam, has become an integral part of Geelong’s side since graduating from the Cannons in 2010.
Zach admitted he initially failed to understand the sacrifices Cam had made to reach the top level. But he has since realised the significance of his brother’s achievements and been inspired by Cam’s drive to win a place in one of the AFL’s premier midfields.
“At the time I probably took it a bit for granted but now I know the significance of it,” he said. “I understand that it takes a lot of hard work to get there. I’m just trying to map my way as best I can.”
Calder talent manager Ian Kyte said Guthrie had developed significantly since first coming on to the club’s radar as a 15-year-old.
“He probably came to us at about 160cm and 50kg,” Kyte said. “He’s now 23cm taller and 20 kilos heavier. He was always a skilful player, but we just didn’t think he was ready to go through with the TAC Cup (last year).”
Kyte said Guthrie’s courage and skill by foot were his greatest strengths. “He could be a late developer,” he said. “Cam wasn’t a superstar at 15 or 16. As a 17-year-old he came on a lot; as an 18-year-old he stood out.”
This year’s Cannons squad is flush with Sunbury talent.
Guthrie has been joined at Highgate Reserve by his former clubmates Lachlan Bramble, Dean Muir, Jack Hannett, Jacob Bygate and Brad Bernacki.
“There’s probably 6-7 I played most of my junior footy with at Sunbury Lions,” he said.
“I know all of them pretty well.”
Guthrie said he had focused on improving the physical side of his game in an effort to become a regular member of the Cannons’ side.
“Over the pre-season I mainly focused on doing the hard things, getting the tackles up, contested ball, trying to get stronger,” he said.
“I’ve been doing a fair few weights. I think I just need to take that to the next level.”
Guthrie was named in the Cannons’ best for the fifth-straight week after a fine performance against Geelong Falcons on Friday night.
