World Footy News

Carlton may be the next AFL club to be lured by the prospect of signing a highly athletic ruckman from the pool of players coming from the United States. Following a procession of recent players, Matt Korchek – a former Arizona Wildcats basketballer – has caught the Blues’ attention and will come to Australia to try his luck.

There is a growing list of tall, athletic players entering AFL/VFL ranks from both basketball and American football backgrounds. Mason Cox is at Collingwood, Eric Wallace at North Melbourne, Jason Holmes is at St Kilda, whilst Alex Aurrichio, originally from the New York Magpies, is on the Northern Blues list – Carlton’s VFL affiliate.

At an impressive 206 cm and weighing in at an imposing 105kg, Korchek already has the frame to compete. His athleticism is also of the highest order, showing both great power and leaping ability but also clocking a 12 minute 3km Time Trial, underlining his athletic endurance.

Carlton will have first option to sign Korchek after having been impressed with his results at a screening session in Florida back in April. They have since paid his way to come to Australia in July and show his wares. Whilst the club concedes that he is a bit “green” when it comes to Australian Rules football, it is hoped that he will show some potential over the next couple of weeks and be an international rookie (Category B) signing at season’s end.

According to recruiting chief Stephen Silvagni on the Carlton club’s website, “Obviously Matt is well equipped when it comes to using a round ball, so we’re looking forward to seeing how he will adapt to the oval ball,”

“We’ll get him to take part in some light drills with our players including kicking and handballing.

“We’re really looking forward to hosting Matt and welcoming him into our football club.”

The 23 year old has impressed Carlton ruck coach, Matthew Capuano, who saw him as the best athlete at the Florida screening and believes he has the athleticism and potential to carve a place in a new sport. Korckek would be an addition to Capuano’s ruck roster which includes Matthew Kruezer, Cameron Wood and Robbie Warnock.