Colin Sylvia

Colin Sylvia (born 8 November 1985) is an Australian rules footballer currently playing with the Melbourne Football Club.

Early Life

Sylvia grew up in Merbein, Victoria a town near the city of Mildura where he played his junior football with the local club.

At just 14, the strong bodied Sylvia made his debut for the Merbein seniors in the Sunraysia Football League. He was a member of Merbein's 2002 premiership side.

As an 18 year old, Sylvia moved to Bendigo to advance his junior football and chances of being drafted into the AFL.

AFL Career

The highly rated Sylvia was taken at 3rd pick in the 2003 AFL Draft by the Melbourne Demons, but was held back in his debut season due to a nagging groin injury. He managed just 3 senior games for the year. 2005 saw Sylvia play 16 senior games and earn a Rising Star nomination. His season was cut short due to a shoulder dislocation while playing for the Demons' VFL affiliate Sandringham Zebras.

Sylvia entered the 2006 season coming off solid form in the Pre Season, and is regarded as one of the most talented young players in the league.

Heading into the finals, many Demon fans had been disappointed with Sylvia's progress throughout the 2006 regular season, although he has shown in glimpses that he can become a topline player in time, however the Demons have selected him on and off in the senior side mainly due to not knowing where to put him. His lack of height makes him unsuitable for a key position, though he takes a strong overhead mark. Yet he does not excel in the midfield. Sylvia has been used by the Demons at times in both defence and attack with mixed results.

In Round 14 2008 Sylvia kicked a career best 4 goals in Melbourne's thrilling one point win over the Brisbane Lions.

Personal Life

Off-field, Sylvia faced scrutiny when he was accused of violence towards his girlfriend in 2006.

See also

• List of Australian rules football incidents

References

External links