Life goals: from footy to the police force

Becoming a professional footballer is a dream for many, especially being drafted to play for one of the biggest teams in the AFL. Ethan Henson meets one player whose dream came true.

For former AFL star Aaron Henneman, who played for Essendon during their prime from 2000 to 2003, that dream became a reality.

Henneman's journey with Essendon began in 1998 when he was drafted, but his official debut on the big stage was in Round 11 of the 2000 season.

“As a kid, I always dreamt of being an AFL footballer,” Henneman said.

“I think, in the end, it was honestly a dream of mine to do that. I love working in a team environment and having a common goal.”

Aaron Henneman reflects on his struggles when he made the big league. Photo: Ethan Henson

However, adjusting to life in the AFL was difficult for Henneman in his early years, as he struggled with homesickness.“Moving to the city was a pretty big deal. The first couple of years coming to Melbourne, I was a bit homesick; it took me a while to settle in.”

After overcoming his homesickness, he started strong, saying he finally felt a part of the team. Especially after Essendon’s premiership win in 2000, he got a taste of what it felt like to be on the winning side in front of thousands of fans.

Unfortunately, that taste was short-lived, as injuries began to plague his career from 2001 onwards.

His major setback was a hamstring injury in Round 21 against the West Coast Eagles, marking the beginning of a series of injuries that eventually led to his delisting at the end of 2006.

Adam Ramanauskas, an Essendon teammate who debuted in 1999, was a close friend of Henneman’s and spoke fondly of playing alongside him.

“It was fantastic; we had a close connection,” Ramanauskas said.

“We struck up a great relationship playing together, and we became very close friends.”

For Ramanauskas, seeing his friend struggle with injuries was difficult.

He explained that Henneman was committed to doing everything right and had every attribute to enjoy a long and successful career. He had the speed, the strength, and, most importantly, the kick.

“In terms of him as a player—really strong, athletic, fast, with a powerful kick. As a key defender, he had every attribute for a long career. It’s just unfortunate.”

Ramanauskas wasn’t entirely surprised by Henneman’s later career change, though; he knew Henneman had always considered a career in policing and was more concerned about whether he would be able to make the transition.“He liked the sense of discipline; he liked the team aspect of being in the police force.”

After undergoing two medicals and a series of tests, Henneman was finally on his way to becoming a police officer.

"After I submitted everything, it was quite substantial,” he joked.

“I’ve had two shoulder reconstructions, a lacerated kidney, a hip arthroscope, and a groin operation—so there was a bit to check over. It was a bit frustrating.

“I’ve been on the job for 15 years now, since 2007. I started my career at the Epping Police Station, then moved into the critical incident response team. I did a negotiator role and close personal protection, and now I’m with the water police in Williamstown.”

After leaving Essendon in 2006, Henneman said he was still recognised a few years after his AFL career, though that has since faded.

Despite moving on from the AFL, he remains in contact with many former Essendon players and continues to support the team. The support he received from the club and his teammates before and after his time with Essendon has strengthened his bond with the club and its players even more.