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He's only been playing AFL for two weeks,
but the Melbourne Demons have already offered him a contract.
Maia Westrupp of Ngati Awa and Te Whanau a Apanui
has signed on to play for the Melbourne team for two years.
For Maia Westrupp, it seems that just as quick as he changes gears
is how fast it took for the club who gave them to sign him up.
A whirlwind experience to say the least
for the former Trident High School student
who was spotted excelling by a scout while at a combine in Wellington.
Despite having next to no in-depth knowledge of the sport,
Westrupp was still the first to secure one of eight
international scholarships available to each team.
The family are happy to see he's gotten to this level.
We also acknowledge the hard work he put in to get to this point.
Westrupp has also represented NZ age groups in volleyball and tennis.
Just last year he also had a trial with the Titans NRL side.
His close friends are both blown away and quietly envious.
Despite that, he acknowledges
there's still miles of work to be done.
Westrupp will be based in NZ
and will undertake a development program implemented by Melbourne,
with the support of AFLNZ.
Kereama Wright, Te Karere.