Former Essendon forward Josh Begley is not shying away from another crack at AFL level.
Delisted in 2020 after 17 games over four seasons with the Bombers, the 22-year-old is this year playing in the VFL/East Coast league with Frankston.
Begley opened up the 2021 campaign with a bag of six goals in the Round 1 win over Coburg before contributing to last weekend’s smashing of North Melbourne.
With the AFL Mid-Season Draft due in early June, Begley has his eye on a potential lifeline at the elite level.
“It’s definitely in the front of my mind,” he said on SEN’s Bob & Andy.
“It’s another goal of mine I guess, but I just want to really enjoy my footy this year.
“When you enjoy something you’re obviously going to do it well. First thing’s first is to enjoy my footy and connect with the Frankston boys and just get the love for footy back.”
Reflecting on his time at Essendon, Begley has identified what he needs to do in order to be afforded another opportunity at an AFL club.
“The consistency week to week,” he said.
“Instead of playing one good game out of four, consistently playing four good games. I wasn’t up to that standard in previous years and I just hope to do that this year.
“I’m working off-field to better prepare myself for game day.”
Begley kicked 15 goals in his 17 AFL games, with his best return being three against West Coast in Round 14, 2019.
His final game for the Dons came against St Kilda in Round 12 last year.
Frankston, who have started 2-0 for the first time since 2001, takes on Queensland side Aspley at Skybus Stadium on Saturday night.