IT’S clear that Derek Eggmolesse-Smith is relishing the family-friendly football environment in his return to George Gordon Oval.
After starring in his second game back for the high-flying Roos on Saturday, the 24-year-old former AFL player said he was enjoying back being back with his family and mates at the Wentworth club.
Eggmolesse-Smith was a joint winner of the 2016 McLeod Medal before he linked up with Richmond, where he played nine games for the Tigers between 2019-2021.
He then signed with Collingwood at the end of last season, playing a handful of VFL games with the Pies this season before getting a release to return to Wentworth.
His silky ball skills, hard running and solid tackling were on show for the big crowd at John James Oval on Saturday in a finals-quality clash with Robinvale Euston.
“I thought it was a tough game. Robinvale put it up to us, all game,” Eggmolesse-Smith said.
“They had a big home crowd behind them, and we knew they are going to come hard at us.”
He politely deflected any talk of his starring role at half back, simply saying, “I just had a bit of fun out there with the boys.
“I played with some of them in my junior days. The past couple of games have been fun playing with my mates.”
Asked to compare the 2022 Roos team against those he played with before heading to Melbourne in 2017, he said: “It’s like we’re more connected now. A brotherhood.
“You can see the results in how well get on. We play for each other.”
The burning question is whether he’ll extend his stay with the Roos.
“There’s a bit of talk there, but I’m still thinking about it, umming and ahing,” Eggmolesse-Smith said.
Does he still have ambitions of playing in the AFL again?
“It’s definitely something I still want to do,” he said.
“I’ve just got to take the opportunity when it comes to me. It’s a step-by-step thing at the moment. I won’t be rushing any decision on my future.”
Hancock is certainly hoping he’ll stay in the Roos’ colours.
Post-game on Saturday, the playing coach said of Eggmolesse-Smith: “In terms of the attacking side of it, he’s elite. And then he gets back and lays those big tackles.”
Eagles’ playing coach, Andrew Richardson, also gave a nod to a favourite Roos son.
“I thought Derek made a big difference (in Saturday’s game),” he said.
As the Holcroft Lawyers Footballer of the Week, Eggmolesse-Smith receives $125 from Holcroft Lawyers, 143 Langtree Avenue, Mildura, and is in the running to be the Holcroft Lawyers Footballer Of The Year winner.
