Norwood's first recruit for the 2007 season was announced as Iggy Vallejo from St Marys Football Club in the Northern Territory Football League. Iggy is a youthworker in the Don Dale Centre, a Darwin juvenile correctional facility. At 25, he is married and looking forward to joining his best mate Heath Culpitt at Norwood. Iggy, (full name Ignatius), caught up with roving reporter Squawk for a quick chat.

Squawk: Welcome to Norwood Iggy! Can you tell us a bit about your football journey to date?

Iggy: I've played almost all of my football since u/14s with St Marys here in Darwin. When I was 18, I moved to Melbourne where I was lucky enough to play a season for Carlton in the VFL. I met Heath Culpitt there and we became best mates there. I then moved back to Darwin where I've been lucky to play in three premierships, one of which was with Heath.

Squawk: When I caught up with Jason McCartney recently, he told me that he had done some coaching work in Darwin with you recently?

Iggy: Yes, that's right - he was a defensive coach with our representative side up here when we played against North Adelaide. It was a great opportunity to pick his brain and play under him and something that I really enjoyed and appreciated.

Squawk: What were your football goals when you were a junior?

Iggy: I really wanted to be able to play at the highest level, just like all kids. Most of all though, I was keen to play good footy and a good level. Now my goal is to move to Adelaide, make new friends, get selected in the senior side, win games and move forward from there!

Squawk: What did you know about the Norwood Football Club before you were approached to come and play for the club?

Iggy: I'm well aware of the strong history and the tight-knit nature of the club. Everyone in Darwin follows the SANFL through ABC TV - particularly Port and North who have a lot of Darwin ex-pats playing for them. My brother played for the Eagles at u/17 level so I supported them. When Heath played for Glenelg I followed them but since he started playing at Norwood my allegiances have followed! Heath has recently been up here in Darwin for a holiday so it was great to catch up with him and do some fishing and learn a bit more about the club.

Squawk: What are your hobbies and interests away from football?

Iggy: Well, I'm married and last year we bought a house so both of those keep me quite busy. I also work with youth in the juvenile detention facility here in Darwin which is something that I really enjoy doing. I also like fishing and hunting. I'm really looking forward to moving to Adelaide though and beginning some new adventures in life! When I get to Adelaide I'm hoping to obtain employment in a similar field - maybe at the Magill training facility or at Cavan juvenile detention facility.

Squawk: As a player, have you modelled your game on any particular players that you have admired?

Iggy: As a young boy I've grown up watching a lot of Territorians playing in the AFL. Michael Long was from St Marys and the whole Long family have been a big part of this club. I really loved the way he played the game. Andrew McLeod is another player I have also admired greatly.

Squawk: What is your cultural background and what does it mean to you as a person?

My father is Spanish and my mother is East Timorese. We have a lot of family overseas and we keep in touch via the internet and telephone but I've only been to Spain once (with my father). I don't speak Spanish or Portugese so one day I might have to learn to!

Squawk: Who has the your biggest influence - (football or otherwise) - in your life, and why?

Iggy: My family has been great - my father and my older brother. I've always looked up to my older brother who has taught me a lot.

As a defender, you must love kicking a goal occasionally. Is there one particularly special goal you fondly remember kicking?

As a defender one of my goals is always to try and push forward and kick a goal or two when I can! In 2003 in the grand final we were 5 points down and I kicked two goals to get a bit of momentum going again and we ended up winning the flag so those goals are especially well remembered!

(Footnote: the following was written in the Northern Territory press following a recent game between St Marys and the Warriors, played on November 18, 2006).

The Saints had few winners in the second half but one of them was Iggy Vallejo, who tried to spark his side with a solo effort that resulted in one of the season's best goals. After smothering and knocking the ball clear in the centre square, he ran forward into space, marked, dodged a defender and goaled from 40m.

Squawk: What is one piece of advice you've been given that you would pass on to a junior member of the Norwood Football Club?

Iggy: Have fun and enjoy every day! Enjoy your time with your friends and enjoy going to footy training!

Squawk: What other sports do you enjoy?

Soccer is a sport I have enjoyed playing and following. As a teenager I was lucky enough to be selected for the Australian u/15 soccer team. One of my team mates was Brad Green who now plays for Melbourne Victory. I really enjoyed the World Cup and love keeping in touch with the UEFA Cup also.

Squawk: Which sporting moment in history really inspires you, and why?

Iggy: Kieran Perkins was the slowest qualifier in Lane 8 in the 1500m at the Atlanta Olympics and won the Gold medal. He had his back to the wall and he got up and won which is something that really inspired me. I also got a lot of pleasure from Steve Bradbury's Gold Medal win at the Winter Olympics - who couldn't have enjoyed that moment?

Squawk: What do you think is the biggest issue of concern in the world today?

Iggy: War. The Iraq war is a real concern for me as is the war in Afghanistan. I think the emerging tension with North Korea is also a real concern.

Questions without notice:

Should Prince Charles or Prince William be the next King of England? Prince William.
Should Australia sign the Kyoto Protocol on Greenhouse Gas Emissions? Yes.
Should musicians be more politically active as Midnight Oil said recently, or are you happy to listen to love songs all day? Yes, musicians should get politically active.
What do you usually do on Anzac Day? Go and watch the march here in Darwin.
What should children pack for lunch to take to school? A healthy sandwich, fruit juice and fresh fruit.
My hero is…? My father.
The next Australian of the Year should be…? Heath Culpitt!

Well Iggy, everyone is really looking forward to seeing you run out in the red and blue jumper in 2007. Thanks for joining me today for a quick chat!

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