Ex-South Mandurah Falcon crosses over to American football

Hedley spent five years playing footy for the Mustangs, was a premiership player at the South Manudrah Falcons and also played in Peel Thunder’s reserves for a season.

But now, the 23-year-old is hoping to take his booming boot to the United States.

Hedley moved to Melbourne a month ago to pursue the dream after being invited to join the Prokick Australia program, which helps to develop aspiring punters.

Despite having no previous experience in the sport, he jumped at the chance to be recruited to the States.

“I was a bit hesitant at first. I’ve never really moved anywhere in my life except to Mandurah as a young kid,” he said.

“I’ve never really followed the sport or anything but a few coaches recommended me to Prokick so in the end I decided to move and give it a crack.

“I’ve got a few mates who live in Geelong and they’ve been really good to me and made it all as easy as it can be.”

Hedley is now attending three training sessions a week, rewiring his kicking techniques to suit the American game.

His hope is to be recruited to a junior college in America, which may pave the way for bigger things to come.

“Right now I just need to keep working on the technique and learning how to punt properly,” he said.

“Hopefully it all goes well and I can find a spot on a junior college and then maybe get a scholarship into a senior college if it works out.

“Prokick has already produced something like 60 or more athletes into the college system so it’d be good if that trend continues.

“For now it’s just about training and working on the punts though.”

American colleges welcome new students each January and July, with Hedley aiming to be picked up during the 2018 intakes.

“I’m still learning about the game and how it all plays out so July this year is probably a bit early for me,” he said.

“I just need to keep training hard and try out for January or July 2018 and see if I can get a scholarship.”