He is a potential top-10 AFL draft pick, but football is not everything for Archie Perkins. Far from it.
That does not mean he is not focused on becoming an elite player. The versatile Sandringham Dragons prospect just believes balance is the key to carving out a long and successful career.
Wise beyond his 18 years, the powerful midfielder has many interests outside football, and they helped him stay on track during 2020 when the NAB League season was cancelled because of COVID-19.
It might have been a blessing he was not already in the AFL system this year and involved in an extended quarantine-hub stay interstate.
Perkins studied global politics at school, used to skateboard before too many bumps and bruises put a halt to that passion, and has a keen interest in music.
"I wouldn't say I'm a DJ, it's just a bit of a hobby on the side," Perkins said.
"That's what makes me who I am, just a balanced person.
"I don't know how I would be if it was just footy, footy, footy all the time.
"You go into the club, put in the work and (then) do some other stuff that keeps you interested and motivated. It works for me."
Carrying a quiet confidence, Perkins has taken inspiration from how Port Adelaide young gun Connor Rozee has started his AFL career.
The Brighton Grammar hopeful is confident of helping his future club in the middle of the ground and inside-50.
One of my attributes is my versatility so I wouldn't put myself as just a midfielder or a forward," he said.
"This year if I played I definitely would have been looking to play predominantly as a midfielder.
"What (Rozee) did coming into Port Adelaide, he's played up forward and looking to go into the midfield so that's probably someone I emulate my game on."
