By: BRETT STUBBS
NORTH Hobart's Oliver Di Venuto has answered the Devils call.
The call, by way of phone, came from Devils coach Mathew Armstrong inviting the Demons' wingman to training.
Because of a spate of injuries and suspensions, and Di Venuto's form and running ability, the 22-year-old was soon in the Devils side, making an impressive debut last round against Geelong at Skilled Stadium.
Di Venuto only returned to Hobart this year, after spending a year snow-boarding in New South Wales and another injury-plagued season in Queensland playing for Mt Gravatt.
``I haven't really played footy for two years,'' Di Venuto said yesterday.
``I played in the premiership with North Hobart in 2003, then had two years off and moved back down here in February and pretty much started training with North Hobart.
``I only started training with the Devils a month ago.
``I came down hoping to have a good year with North Hobart, then do a pre-season with the Devils for next year.''
It is the first time Di Venuto has represented Tasmania, after playing for Queensland in the under-16 and under-18 national championships.
Born and raised in Tasmania, his family moved north when elder brother Nick was diving for Australia and Hobart was without a pool while the Aquatic Centre was under construction. And Nick is not the only member of the family to represent Australia, with second cousin Michael a regular Tasmanian cricketer and former Australian one-day player.
But the taste of VFL experience has made Di Venuto aware of what is required for the future.
``They are massive bodies, I think I am going to have to put on 10kgs by next year,'' the 76kg Di Venuto said.
``I am going to have to hit the weights and get into the protein powder and bulk.
``It is pretty awesome how someone like [Kangaroos-listed] Michael Firrito goes about his footy.
``He is not a star in the AFL but in the VFL he absolutely dominates, is 97kgs and plays in the midfield.''
The Devils take on fellow Kangaroo-aligned team North Ballarat at Bellerive on Sunday at 2pm.
Last Modified on 29/06/2006 13:16