Fremantle utility Tendai Mzungu thought his AFL dream had passed him by several years ago. Now he has the chance to become a premiership player.
Mzungu has developed into one of the Dockers’ most versatile players, with his ability to play up forward, through the midfield or in defence giving the team vital flexibility.
The 27-year-old has also proven to be a handy lock-down player.
Master tagger Ryan Crowley received deserved plaudits last week for his shutdown role on Swans star Kieren Jack.
But Mzungu played an equally important role in restricting prolific Swans on-baller Daniel Hannebery to just 14 possessions and a goal in Fremantle’s preliminary final win.
A week earlier against Carlton, Hannebery tallied 33 disposals, and the 22-year-old booted four goals from 27 possessions when he was opposed to Crowley in round eight.
Mzungu, who is of Zimbabwean descent, is hoping to realise his premiership dream when he lines up in Saturday’s grand final against Hawthorn at the MCG.
The dreadlocked utility played five seasons for Perth in the WAFL before being drafted by Fremantle as a 24-year-old in 2010.
Mzungu has notched 62 games over the past three years, but he received a timely reminder of how perilous his spot was when he got dropped in round eight this year.
The 182cm West Australian earned a late recall when a teammate pulled out through injury, and he hasn’t missed a beat since.
Now, he’s thanking his lucky stars about the opportunity that awaits him on Saturday.
“I didn’t think I’d be here a few years ago,” Mzungu said.
“It’s great to be part of grand final week and to run out with 21 great mates and have a crack on the weekend.
“The more you play, the more experience you get, and the more lessons you learn.
“And obviously you’ve got a great environment with coaches and players who provide daily feedback.
“Just being in the environment has really fast-tracked my development.
“But you never feel comfortable at the level.”