Brian Dragus in Queensland - Photos - Brett McDonald BGM Images

CALIFORNIAN DRAGUS TO MAKE QAFL DEBUT

April 22, 2010 By Anthony McDonald
24 year old Bryan Dragus from Los Angeles California will make his QAFL debut for the Tradelink Western Magpies this Saturday in a Round 3 clash versus Redland at Chelmer. Following his first official game for the Magpies in the Reserves in round 1 against Labrador where he showed plenty, the 198cm 98kg American has worked hard for his opportunity.

Dragus has not missed a training session since getting off the plane from the US back in February and he impressed from the very first night however his dedication and determination to improve and make the grade has been outstanding. Taking into account internal trials, practice games, QAFL pre-season games and season proper Dragus has now doubled his experience of 8 USA Footy games for the Golden Gate Roos in 2009.

Off field the big American who has an unassuming nature, good sense of humour and a "can do" approach to life and has become a very popular figure amongst his team mates and around the club. His interview at the Western Magpies season launch last month was one of the highlights of the evening as he charmed the room of over 100 guests reflecting on his Australian experiences to date and his affection for the club that has accepted him so openly as one of its own.

Bryan Dragus said, "it has been a crash course in footy since my arrival in February. I can't wait to get on the field in a QAFL match and just play."

"I am pleased I have been given an opportunity to play at such a high standard so soon. My focus continues to be to contribute to the team by training hard, play the brand of football the coach desires and back my team mates and their work."

Western Magpies Coach Paul Grentell said, "I am very happy with Bryan's progression and he has made an increased contribution to the team performance with every game he has played."

"His competitiveness and willingness to work hard has been fantastic and deserves to be rewarded. "

"He provides us with height, athleticism and mobility and has a flexibility which allows him to play a role in a number of different structures."