KALEB TREE'S is a story of success on the back of old-fashioned hard work.

A member of the inaugural Aboriginal AFL Academy as a Year 11 from Mark Oliphant College in 2015, Kaleb didn't pass the trials for this year's Academy, but remained in contact with the club through the year.

As part of the 2015 Academy he travelled to China and played in a number of games.

But remaining in touch with the Academy in 2016, he recently delivered the positive news that he has completed Year 12 and is en route to a career as an apprentice diesel mechanic.

"Kaleb was a pretty shy, young land who didn't feel he'd finish year 11, let alone year 12," says Academy mentor Steve Allen.

"He didn't make the cut as a playing member of the Academy this year, but kept in contact and recently let us know he had finished Year 12.

"He's been accepted by Toll Holdings as a diesel mechanic as part of our Powerful Futures program and was really happy when he told us the news - it's a credit to him and all his hard work."

While he waits for his Year 12 certificate, Kaleb has also recently qualified for his probationary license and has recently taken up boxing.