Monbulk is quickly making a name for itself as a launching pad for Aussies chasing American football dreams, with a program called Prokick Australia helping turn talent from all over the country into world-class punters and place-kickers bound for the US.
Founded in 2007 by former AFL player Nathan Chapman, Prokick has already seen countless athletes swap their local footy fields for the roar of American stadiums, proving that even from Monbulk, big dreams can take flight.
Mr Chapman, a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Brisbane Bears and Hawthorn Hawks, knows all too well how sport can open doors to unexpected opportunities.
After transitioning into American football as a punter, Mr Chapman founded Prokick Australia with the aim of training Australian athletes to the highest standard, his vision? To provide young men with the chance to earn college scholarships in the US, something that had never been done before.
“The biggest challenge at the start was convincing both players and parents that this could be a legitimate pathway,” Mr Chapman said.
“There was a lot of uncertainty in the early days, but it’s amazing to see how far we’ve come since then.”
Prokick’s success has been undeniable, in the first year – three players secured college scholarships, including one who went on to play in the NFL for seven seasons.
Since then, the program has grown rapidly, with more than 40 athletes heading to the US this year alone.
The program has not only gained momentum but also changed lives.
After injuries cut short his AFL dreams, 20-year-old Ethan Hyams found new direction in Melbourne.
Moving from Sydney earlier this year, he joined Prokick Australia on the advice of a former teammate and now he’s chasing a future in American football.
“I was playing with the Sydney Swans Academy, but injuries derailed that path,” Mr Hyams said.
“I had a friend who joined the program and encouraged me to check it out. A month later, I was here in Melbourne, ready to start a new journey.”
Mr Hyams, like many of his peers, is adjusting to the unique demands of American football, where punting is more than just about kicking a ball – it’s a technical skill that requires precision, focus, and mental resilience.
The transition from Australian Rules Football to American football punting is not an easy one.
For Everett O’Donnell who joined Prokick last November, it has been a challenge of both skill and mindset.
“Mentally, it’s been a big shift,” Mr O’Donnell said.
“Leaving family behind and moving to Melbourne was tough, but I’m really enjoying the training and the camaraderie with the other boys. The hardest part is staying focused and keeping a positive mindset, especially when you’re away from home.”
The 20-year-old who previously played local footy with Fitzroy, found inspiration in the program after hearing about it through kicking consultant Josh.
“When I first came down to try out, I didn’t know what to expect. But I’ve learned a lot and I feel ready for whatever comes next,” he said.
With Mr O’Donnell aiming for a scholarship by year’s end, and Logan Foley already gearing up for a whirlwind six-month move to the US, the road from Monbulk to America is proving both challenging and deeply rewarding.
Prokick Australia isn’t just about preparing athletes for the NFL or NCAA, it’s about creating a sense of community.
Despite the program’s nationwide reach, with athletes coming from all over the country, the heart of it all lies in Monbulk.
The training sessions, which run three days a week, have become a familiar sight in the local community.
Athletes from all corners of Australia, and even the US gather at Monbulk’s training base, honing their skills and sharing their aspirations.
“We’ve had players from all over Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and even the US,” Mr Chapman said.
“It’s great to see the community embrace us. Local businesses benefit too, with athletes grabbing their morning coffee or lunch from the shops. It’s a win-win.”
The program has also opened up new opportunities for local businesses, from cafes to retailers, as the young athletes bring energy and enthusiasm to the area.
While the technical side of punting is paramount, it’s also about character development.
The athletes who come through Prokick are trained to maintain a calm mindset under pressure, a skill that proves invaluable both on and off the field.
For Michael Streeter, a 20-year-old from Werribee, staying motivated and consistent has been the biggest challenge.
Yet, it’s this very dedication that has helped him develop the mental toughness necessary for success in a high-pressure environment like the NFL.
“The hardest part has been staying motivated through the ups and downs,” Mr Streeter said.
“But the support from the coaches and the other boys has been amazing. We’re all in this together.”
For others like Justin Willis, who moved from the US to Australia in February, the experience has been life-changing, despite the challenges of homesickness, Mr Willis is optimistic about his future.
“The biggest challenge has been being away from home,” he said.
“But the program has helped me see just how high the standard is, and how much more I can push myself. I’ve also made some lifelong friends along the way.”
Mr Willis has grown to enjoy the Australian lifestyle, though he still keeps his heart close to home, and before he returns to the US, he’s got one simple wish on his bucket list – to pet a kangaroo.
As Prokick Australia continues to produce top-tier punters for the US, it’s clear that Monbulk has become more than just a training ground, it’s a launchpad for young men with big dreams.
With an ever-growing roster of talented athletes, Mr Chapman and his team are committed to raising the bar even higher.
“We just want to keep getting better,” he said.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve and give these guys the best shot at success.”
The road from Monbulk to the US may not be easy, but with the support of Prokick Australia, it’s one that many young men are more than ready to take.
