Docker Yarran to put troubled past behind

Mature-aged Fremantle draft pick Shane Yarran is determined to leave his troubled past behind him and find a regular spot in the Dockers forward-line.

Yarran’s life could have gone either way after he was released from jail in 2013, having been sentenced to six years for burglary.

Now, he is a two-time WAFL premiership player, a father for the first time and on an AFL list.

The 26-year-old didn’t play in the WAFL until 2014 after his youth was marred by getting on the wrong side of the law and spending time in prison.

Once he was released, Yarran vowed to turn his life around and after the 2013 season playing country football with South Mandurah, he was picked up by WAFL powerhouse Subiaco.

He cemented his place in the team for a premiership in 2014 kicking 39 goals before setting the competition alight to start 2015 with 29 goals in his first six matches.

Yarran ended up the WAFL’s leading goalkicker with 54 majors including five in just over a half of the grand final victory before injuring a knee.

Upon being unveiled at Fremantle on Friday, Yarran said he was ready to live out his dream as an AFL player.

“I appreciate the interest with my past. Obviously my past is always going to be there but I think my focus is what the future holds with me at the club,” Yarran said.

“To get this opportunity to be drafted to the AFL is something that’s amazing, and it’s living a childhood dream. It’s a wonderful opportunity.”

Yarran will always be grateful for what Subiaco did for him led by coach and Port Adelaide premiership player Jarrad Schofield.

Becoming a father has also been a life-changing experience.

“Schoey has been great. He’s definitely taught me a lot and it’s something I’m going to remember right through my footy career,” Yarran said.

“I’ve got a baby girl Scarlet.

“She is definitely keeping me on my toes now.

“She’s crawling and getting around everywhere.

“It’s amazing and it’s something you can’t really prepare for, but you learn and you take it as it comes.”

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