Footy star reveals he was so poor he had to sleep in his mum’s car and use a lolly as a mouthguard before realising his AFL dream

Footy star reveals he was so poor he had to sleep in his mum’s car and use a lolly as a mouthguard before realising his AFL dream AFL star was forced to sleep in his mum’s car as a teenager Cost of living crisis hit Dominic Bedendo’s family hard Also used a lolly as a mouthguard as a youngster Looking for a big year with Western Bulldogs in 2024 By Andrew Prentice For Daily Mail Australia Published: 20:43 EST, 11 December 2023 | Updated: 20:43 EST, 11 December 2023 e-mail View comments AFL star Dominic Bedendo has revealed some of the astonishing personal setbacks he has overcome in life to realise his footy dream with the Western Bulldogs. Bedendo, 21, previously slept in his mother’s car in Melbourne as a teenager due to the cost of living crisis. A mouthguard for training and weekend games was also out of the question at the time.

He instead used a Red Ripper lolly, determined to leave nothing to chance as he chased a career with a Sherrin in hand. It paid off, with the utility selected as pick number 55 in the 2020 AFL Draft before making his debut last year against Brisbane at the Gabba. AFL star Dominic Bedendo has revealed some of the astonishing setbacks he has overcome in life to realise his footy dream with the Western Bulldogs Bedendo, 21, previously slept in his mother’s car as a teenager due to the cost of living crisis Dominic Bedendo was selected as pick number 55 in the 2020 AFL Draft before making his senior debut last year against Brisbane at the Gabba (pictured) ‘It [resilence] has really helped me become the person I am today,’ Bedendo told 9News.

‘I also don’t know where I’d be without her [mum], she’s such an amazing woman. So strong and independent. ‘When we were living on the side of the road [at one stage].

. . .

it was a tough time for us. ‘ As a teenager, VFL club Sandringham Dragons invited Bedendo to training, and he eventually caught the eye of AFL scouts. Opportunities have been scarce in senior footy under coach Luke Beveridge – but Bedendo is hoping he can build on his two senior games to date in 2024.

He has hit the ground running, winning the recent club 2km time trial. ‘I just want it more now. You put in the work and you just love to see the rewards,’ Bedendo said.

And in terms of Bedendo’s biggest supporter, his mother Jeniah will be in the grandstand if he is given the nod at the selection table, where ‘you will definitely be able to hear her. ‘ Luke Beveridge AFL Melbourne Share or comment on this article: Footy star reveals he was so poor he had to sleep in his mum’s car and use a lolly as a mouthguard before realising his AFL dream e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

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