Essendon VFL midfielder Dan Coghlan experienced the age-old dilemma of football or cricket during his younger years.

The 24-year-old in his third season with the VFL Bombers has dominated this year, averaging 18 disposals a game.

Like many talented athletes, a decision must be made on what sporting path to follow.

“I didn’t play any football at U/18 level. I was playing cricket for Ringwood in Premier Cricket,” Coghlan said.

“I managed to play for the U/19 Victorian cricket side and was really enjoying my cricket at the time.

“It was always hard to do both sports at that level. The pre-season’s really tie over and if you want to get to that next level in one of the sports you had to give up the other for a little bit.”

However the pull of playing with his close mates again ultimately reignited his footballing career.

“In the end, I did a bit of a backflip once the Warburton boys convinced me to come back and play.

“Then I was lucky enough to get invited down to Essendon and things sort of snowballed from there.”

Originally from South Croydon, Coghlan made the move to Essendon VFL ahead of the 2013 season.

“It was a fair hike when I first came down (from Warburton),” Coghlan said.

“But it’s great to have guys like ‘Skippy’ (Hayden Skipworth) helping me out and guiding me. They really help me out during in the week and it’s great to have those real leaders around the club.

“I’ve loved my time here so far. It’s been a good three years.”

Outside of football, Coghlan is currently enjoying a fresh outlook on his working life.

“I was a builder, but was recently made redundant so I’m trying to get a home based business for myself to do a bit of part time work when I can.

“It’s a little bit different to working full time, but it’s great to have a bit of free time instead of working overtime. It’s been really good this year to have that flexibility.”

Like many of his counterparts, the aspiration to play AFL remains strong.

The midfielder was invited to last year’s AFL Combine on the back of an elite 2014 season, in which he also placed third in the Essendon VFL best & fairest.

“That would be the dream to play at the highest level,” Coghlan said.

“You can’t control those things I guess, you’ve just got to play the best footy you can, have a crack and keep doing what you’re doing and it will take care of itself.”