BILLY Stretch, the son of 1987 Melbourne best and fairest winner Steven, is undertaking a week of work experience at the Demons.

Stretch, 15, who is an emerging footballer and possible father/son selection in the future, is currently training with South Australia in the NAB AFL under 16 championships.

But he is spending this week with the Demons, as he gets a feel for the workings of an AFL club, according to general manager of list management Tim Harrington.

“We’re giving Billy exposure to a good cross-section of the club - media, marketing, merchandise, communications and obviously the footy department,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“Billy is doing year 10 at the moment at Emmanuel College in Adelaide - he’s got aspirations to do physiotherapy and he has also been given the opportunity to see what life is like in an AFL club.

“He’s currently training with the South Australian under 16 squad under [former Adelaide player] Darel Hart. And he also has aspirations to become an AFL player - his Dad Steven was a best and fairest winner with the club and is well-regarded around the club.”

Although born in Melbourne, Stretch has resided in South Australia since he was six years old.

He currently plays under 16s with Glenelg, and is eager to represent South Australia in the upcoming championships.

“[They’re] still in the process of selecting the squad, but I played a trial game on the weekend and I’ve got a few more trial games over the next few weeks,” Stretch said.

Stretch is staying with his father’s former teammate and current recruiter Todd Viney and his family during his week in Melbourne.

Stretch said he had gained a “great insight into the organisation”.

“Not just the football side of things, but the things that make the club run. There are just so many aspects to it that I don’t really understand yet,” he said.

“It’s a really serious and competitive organisation, striving to improve. There are a lot of people involved at the club and at first I didn’t realise how many staff there were here.

“I’ve also got a desired pathway to follow physiotherapy, if football doesn’t work out, so something in the medical field. So it’ll be good to look at that.”

It has also been a great opportunity for Stretch to see some of his favourite Demons up close.

“I’ve always liked Nathan Jones and from all of the clubs, I’ve always looked up to Chris Judd,” he said.

“I’ve also become a follower of Jack Trengove and Jack Watts, because of the way they read the play and attack the footy and represent the club with pride.

“They’re really good to watch.”

Stretch didn’t see his father play for the Demons, but has since seen highlights of the former dashing wingman/half-back.

“He was on the end of his career, as I was coming up,” Stretch said of his dad.

“I’ve got a few highlight videos at home that we put on every now and then, which are good to watch. It’s good watching him play.

“I’m a mad Melbourne fan, so I’ve always supported them and hopefully they’ll keep improving and move up the ranks in the future.

As for playing for Melbourne in the future, Stretch said it would be his perfect scenario.

“Definitely, it’s always been my dream to play for Melbourne,” he said.

“It’s still a long way to go and three years [before I’m eligible for the draft], so I’ve got to keep working hard.

“Hopefully, I’ll keep improving my footy and grow a bit as well.”