FOOTBALL: Tarak Redigolo's league debut in round 10 this year against Central Districts may have caught a few by surprise, but this teenager from the McLaren Football Club in the GSFL has the grit and determination to be around in league company for many years to come.
South Adelaide league coach Clay Sampson is excited at the talent he has unearthed at the club.
"For a 17 year old to come up and play as well as he has is a credit to him.
"Dealing with studies at school and to play league football as well shows how focussed Tarak is.
"He is a natural competitor, very good for his size overhead and enjoys a contest.
"On current form Tarak will be a starter for the rest of the season," Sampson said.
Football began for Tarak at the McLaren Vale Primary School almost ten years ago.
From this first introduction to our great game, SAPSASA football beckoned before Tarak joined the McLaren junior squads.
Progressing through the South Adelaide development squads was the natural next step for this talented footballer.
Tarak has played every grade of football at South Adelaide and is looking forward to what lies ahead.
"Clay is wicked, I debuted on his first week as coach.
"He believes in the young guys and I am enjoying everything South has to offer.
"The higher the level you play the better you lift all your skills.
"I have to keep working on my skills and fitness, as you do a turnover at this level and it's a goal," Tarak said.
Still only 17, Tarak's weekdays are consumed by his Year 12 studies at Woodcroft College.
Tarak is only the second student from the school to play league football apart from Carlton's Jordan Russell.
With a keen interest in sport and nutrition, Tarak will look towards further studies in these fields at University next year.
Supported throughout his life by parents Stephen and Bridgette, Tarak might not be the only Redigolo to take the field at senior level in the years to come.
Younger brother Jai is currently cutting his teeth in the U15 development squads and also looks to have a bright future.
Away from football Tarak enjoys fishing and other sports such as tennis and baseball where he has represented Southern Districts at A grade level.
With his rise through the grades at South Adelaide he also admits that his pre-game breakfast had also changed over the last few years.
Previously it was not uncommon for Tarak to sit down to a large serving of bacon and eggs before a big game, but now it is Weetbix with banana and Milo.
If history is anything to go by then Tarak certainly has all the ingredients to succeed at senior level.
Already with a SAFC U17 Best and Fairest and U19 Runner-up Best and Fairest to his name this nuggetty onballer from the McLaren Football Club will be a key part of the South Adelaide League engine room for many years to come.
"I want to keep playing at the highest level I can, and it may not be AFL, but I want to play consistent football at South Adelaide," Tarak said.
Tarak joins James Turner, as a product of the McLaren Football Club that is currently playing senior football at South Adelaide.
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