PTV: Moore's Rise
Moore’s older brother Kelvin has established himself as an important part of Richmond’s backline, but the 26-year-old’s footballing future didn’t always look as bright.
As a teenager, Kelvin lost his passion for the game and quit the Eastern Ranges U18s - the same feeder program from which Andrew would be drafted out of almost a decade later.
Kelvin, who realised the error of his ways after finishing school, was fortunate enough to be given a second chance on the Tigers’ rookie list and now he’s determined to make sure his younger brother learns from his mistakes.
“Kelvin has been a huge help to me. I’m able to call him whenever I want and he gives me a few tips on how to play in certain positions and on certain opponents,”
Andrew Moore told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“He’s also encouraged me to take advantage of everyone around me, like the guys that have been in the system for a while and also the coaches.
“He’s told me to get as much information out of everyone at the club as possible because football doesn’t last for a long time. You might only be in the system one or two years, so you have to make the most of it while it lasts.”
Moore seized the opportunity early in his career, making his AFL debut for the Power against North Melbourne in round one.
The versatile 19-year-old was squeezed out of the near-full-strength side in round two, but handled his demotion well and was in good form for SANFL side North Adelaide until he developed soreness in his groin.
“I had OP [osteitis pubis] and it was quite frustrating because I spent a long time on the sidelines - I think it was 10 weeks in the end,” Moore said.
“I felt a bit homesick and being injured didn’t help because you don’t feel as part of the group as you do when you’re playing.
"The conditioning side of things took a lot longer than I’d hoped, but in hindsight that extra time on the sidelines was definitely worth it because the groins are feeling really good now.”
For Moore, there was one upside to being in rehab and that was spending time with fellow draftees John Butcher and Jasper Pittard, who were also recovering from long-term injuries.
“They were unfortunate circumstances with all three of us being in rehab, but it was a good chance to get to know each other a bit more because we didn’t really know one another prior to being drafted,” he said.
“Jasper and Butch are great blokes and we’ve definitely created a huge bond between us.”
Moore made his comeback from injury via the North Adelaide reserves and spent three weeks there, before being recalled directly to the Port Adelaide side ahead of the showdown in round 17.
“I was playing some good footy with North Adelaide in the reserves, so it was great to be back in the Power side for a big game like the showdown,” Moore said.
“It was a huge step up from reserves, but I was able to look back on the experience of playing in the NAB Cup and also in round one.
“Coming from Victoria you don’t really understand how big the showdowns are, but it was a great experience and something I’ll never forget.”
The win against Hawthorn last weekend was Moore’s third win from three starts and he said he was hopeful of continuing his winning streak against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
“I’m three from three so far. I’m not sure how long that perfect record will last…hopefully a while longer.”
