Tevita Rodan reveals his dream to follow in his father David’s footsteps into the AFL

The former Richmond, Port Adelaide and Melbourne star has been watching on as a proud father as son Tevita makes his mark for the Victoria Metro under-16s.

Tevita is one of the top prospects of the 2027 AFL Draft and is eligible for selection with Essendon through the Next Generation Academy and Port Adelaide as a father-son.

The Vic Metro star is set to face a tough decision on who to commit to down the track and has leant on his father to help.

“I don’t really know yet, it’s been a blessing I’ve had two elite places to go to,” he said.

“My dad told me to follow my heart, go to wherever is the best opportunity for me in the future and just keep my head down and work.”

Rodan has cherished the opportunity to not only have his dad as a mentor but also as a goal umpire for his local games.

“It’s pretty funny, he always waves the flags at my local games and sometimes my rep games so it’s pretty cool and hopefully I get to do it with him on the big stage, that’s my goal,” he said.

“His smile’s a bit wider when I kick goals - he loves it.

“He’s been my biggest mentor growing up and sometimes having him on the field it’s good to just give him a look and him telling me if I’m playing well or not.

“To follow in his footsteps (and play in the AFL) would mean everything, it’s been on my whiteboard since day one so if I can do anything like that it would be the dream.”

David Rodan was the first Fijian player to play in the AFL and has guided Tevita to embrace the diversity and remain true to himself.

“He’s had a massive impact especially coming from diversity and telling me how to grow up different,” the Victoria Metro star said.

“He’s always been the shining light and someone that I aspire to be like.

“He’s told me to be myself and not change who I am to anyone and keep using that Fijian speed.”

To see the impact David has had on Tevita, you need to look no further than the way the young gun embraces the game and takes on the contest.

“His run and carry is what I base my whole game off,” he said.

“I keep showing up to contests and keep fighting with a bit of flair as well.”

Rodan has formed a lethal partnership with Essendon father-son prospect Koby Bewick with the Calder Cannons and now Victoria Metro.

“We always look for each other when we’re on the field,” he said.

“Whenever we see each other we just give it because we know that we’re going to work for each other by shepherding and running.”

Originally published as Tevita Rodan reveals his dream to follow in his father David’s footsteps into the AFL