PEEL Thunder midfielder Josh Schoenfeld’s hopes of becoming an AFL player increased after a record breaking NAB AFL Draft Combine.
Schoenfeld record-breaking run came on the last day of the four-day combine held at Ethhad Stadium from Thursday to Sunday in the three-kilometre time trial.
The endurance specialist completed the run in 9.15 minutes to break the all-time record set by Sydney Swans recruit Jack Hiscox last year by three seconds.
The Thunder Colts player was more than 30 seconds ahead of his nearest rival in the event.
Schoenfeld also set the second best beep test time in combine history on Saturday with a 16.2.
He now sits behind Hawthorn recruit Billy Hartung who registered 16.6 in 2013.
Schoenfeld said on AFL Trade Radio said he was happy with his combine.
“I’m definitely happy I put my best foot forward; can let the clubs decide,” he said.
“Going into it [the combine] I was aiming for 16, I was close to it early in the year.”
After making it past his goal Schoenfeld said Hartung’s record wasn’t really in his sights.
“My legs were absolutely gone,” he said.
The following day the 185 centimetre midfielder backed-up his solid beep test with the 3km trial and despite saying he had some fatigue managed to break the record.
“The lead up and the moment helped you push through,” he said.
Schoenfeld’s desire to get the best out of himself is something that should make AFL recruiters take notice.
The midfielder put seven kilograms on during the off season last year to go from a player who was on the fringe of Peel Thunder’s Colts team to become a regular this year.
His form for Peel was so good that he gained selection in Western Australia’s state under 18s team, playing four games across the carnival.
At the carnival he averaged 12 disposals a game but improved as the carnival went on to be one of WA’s best.
