For Jack Graham, the name on the back of his jersey has always carried extra weight.
As the son of AFL and NFL star Ben Graham, expectations have followed him everywhere he goes.
But now, at just 18, the Bond University AFL player is ready to step out of that shadow and into his own spotlight.
“I know I deserve to be here,” Graham said.
While his father’s career, including becoming the first Australian to play in a Super Bowl, looms large, Graham is determined not to be defined by it.
“There is pressure, but I got here myself. It took me a bit to sort of get over that… knowing that I’m not in this environment because of him,” he said.
He is focused on building his own identity, both on and off the field.
The Bachelor of Business student has wasted no time settling into life at Bond, balancing study with AFL while living in the university’s sports house.
“I’m absolutely loving it,” he said.
“Living with other athletes from different sports provides a whole different perception of dieting, food, just being in that environment.”
Graham’s decision to move from Melbourne wasn’t just about sport, it was about opportunity.
Connections with former Melbourne schoolmates already playing at Bond helped seal the deal.
“There were so many positives to come out of Bond,” he said.
“I had a chat with Nick (Nick Francis- 2024 Riewoldt Family AFL Excellence Scholar) about it last year, and I thought, well, all that is going to come out of it is positives.”
While this environment is new, the game is not.
Since the age of seven, Graham has been kicking the ball from Auskick to the Oakleigh Chargers, Xavier College, and the Geelong Cats Next Generation Academy, following in the footsteps of his father, who once captained Geelong.
“I can’t really remember a time when this wasn’t a part of my life,” he said.
Between team training on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Graham is following an individualised gym program from his coaches, along with the occasional relaxed kick with friends.
When it comes to game day, his preparation is simple.
“Just doing everything in my power to make sure that my body’s feeling as best as it can,” he said.
While the comparisons to his father may never fully disappear, they’re no longer something he’s trying to outrun.
“I really do appreciate every opportunity and the fact that my dad and I have been able to bond over the sport”, he said.