Three years ago Matt Dyer was not enjoying football.

He found it hard getting kicks, he could not kick straight when he got the ball, and he just did not like playing.

But this year the 17 year old Boolarra thirds player has gone ahead in leaps and bounds.

He captained the Mid Gippsland Football League interleague side, he played for East Victoria in the recent under 18s Austar Challenge, and his side is currently vying for a finals berth.

Matt attributes his recent improvement on the football field to his older brother James.

"My brother started teaching me and training me to play," said Matt.

"Then the next year I ended up winning the best and fairest for Boolarra and the year after I won it again and it just went from there. I started enjoying it because I was actually good at it and I’d get in there and have a go."

Matt was named captain of this year’s interleague side and went on to play a solid game, his efforts earning him a place amongst the best that day. He believes his performance in the interleague match gave him the opportunity to try out for the East Victorian squad, which was coached by former VFL great Peter Knights.

He went through a process which involved two training sessions and was then selected to play in the match, a curtain raiser to the Division one Smokefree Championships at Shepparton on Sunday 15 July.

Matt was the only player from Mid Gippsland to play in the match.

"I could have played better, but I tried, so that was alright. I played in a few different positions, so it was good to get mixed up."

Despite losing the match, Matt said he would definitely like to play again in the game next season.

"It was a good experience," he said. "It was elite footy so the skills were a lot better than this level. Hopefully I will be able to train again next year, because I would really like to play in it again."

Matt would like to take his football career further, his chances enhanced by the presence of talent scouts from all AFL clubs.

"It was a second chance for players who didn’t get into Gippsland Power. It gave us a chance to play good and put on a show."

Matt might be able to add a finals berth to his highlights this season, Boolarra causing a massive upset in the thirds competition on Saturday, becoming the first side to defeat Mirboo North.

Matt’s ruckwork was one of the keys to the win, which kept the side in the hunt for the finals. The Demons now sit outside the top five by just two premiership points, the next four weeks vital for the team’s chances to make an impact.

Although he is concentrating on making the finals this year, Matt’s ultimate aim is to play AFL in the future, but he admits he has to be a little more committed.

"I’ve got to just keep pushing and stick at it and hopefully it leads somewhere."

It is a sentiment echoed by Matt’s coach Damian McGrath.

"I can see Matthew doing anything he wanted to as far as AFL level," said McGrath.

"I was fortunate enough to play some under 19s down at Hawthorn and Matt’s got more skills and ability than I ever had so I think he can do anything.

"He will have to stay away from the normal pressures of life, like alcohol and cigarettes, and if he can keep that to a minimum, the world is his oyster."