Jack back at Werribee

The amalgamation of the North East Australian Football League with the VFL will see the reserve sides of AFL clubs Sydney, Greater Western Sydney, Brisbane and Gold Coast join the league, along with NEAFL clubs Southport and Aspley.

Henderson, 21, said he was excited for opportunities the new-look competition can create for him.

‘‘While it was disappointing to not get drafted, I’m a realist and know where I’m at,’’ he said.

‘‘I just have to take the opportunity in front of me and play my best footy in the VFL.

‘‘I’m keen to have a crack against more blokes who are AFL listed.

‘‘I might even get to come up against Deni draftee Will Shaw if we are scheduled to play GWS.

‘‘I trained with Will a little bit during the off-season, before he was drafted. He’s a bit raw, but with his skill and work ethic I think he will thrive in the AFL.

‘‘I might have to give him a clip on the ears if I do play against him,’’ Henderson said with a laugh.

The versatile utility will return to training with his Werribee teammates on Monday, January 11.

It will be the first time the playing group has been together since July 2020, and there were some big changes since the cancellation of the season.

The ‘Big W’ will be led by former AFL star Michael Barlow, who played alongside Henderson in the 2019 VFL season.

Henderson said he is hopeful Barlow will allow him some more time in the midfield in 2021.

‘‘It’s a bit weird playing for a bloke that you have previously played alongside, but the advantage of that is that he knows our strengths,’’ Henderson said.

‘‘We had Connor Menadue get drafted to North Melbourne so that opens up a spot in the middle.

‘‘The rules of the VFL state that each side must play six players under 22 and luckily I just fit into that category, so that should hopefully put me in a good position to play plenty of footy.’’

Henderson will have a big advantage heading into 2021, being one of few players to take to the field in 2020.

He put forward an impressive performance in his eight games for Sturt in the South Australian National Football League, where he showcased his skills in the middle.

‘‘I suppose playing a few games when others haven’t had the chance gives you a bit of confidence you won’t be rusty,’’ Henderson said.

‘‘I’ve been working on my parents’ farm in Blighty throughout harvest during the off-season.

‘‘Sitting on a tractor all day isn’t exactly ideal training, but it’s been an awesome season for the farm.

‘‘I’ve had to do a bit of training on my own and had a couple of sessions with the Deni Rams, so I think I’ll be good to go.’’