World Footy News

Ed. - We welcome Scott Matheson to World Footy News as our newest writer. Scott is an Australian who spent many years in the USA, played in the USAFL at the Columbus Australian Rules Football Club and has held various positions on both the CARFC committee as well as the USAFL board. Scott has now returned to Australia and studies in Melbourne.

2015 is shaping up as the biggest year for American imports playing and competing in Aussie Rules in footy’s home state of Victoria.  Numerous Americans have made, or will make, the sixteen hour trek across the Pacific Ocean in order to chase some unorthodox sporting dreams.  This article profiles the players expanding the Yankee footprint in Victorian footy circles. 

The players should be recognised as coming to Victoria through three separate pathways:

1. The elite level program stems from the AFL’s Los Angeles combine testing; successful players have the opportunity to attend AFL combine testing in Melbourne and/or be signed as an International Rookie on an AFL list.

2. The ‘semi-pro’ portion represents players seeking to be paid to play at high levels of VFL football; these players are generally placed at these clubs by an independent third-party.

3. The grassroots pathway to football in regional Victoria; a program with the USAFL and numerous AFL Victoria clubs, set up to expand football knowledge and offer a ‘footy exchange’ experience.

 Jason Holmes

Age: 25

Club: St. Kilda Saints

Height: 203cm

Weight: 105kg

Position: Ruck

Jason, younger brother of Oakland Raiders WR Andre Holmes, progressed very well in his first season with St. Kilda’s VFL affiliate Sandringham. His energy and athleticism around stoppages and high marking ability, coupled with St. Kilda’s young list, indicate that he has a great chance to debut in 2015. His NAB Challenge performance drew positive reviews.

 

 

 

 Eric Wallace

Age: 26

Club: North Melbourne Kangaroos

Height: 197cm

Weight: 102kg

Position: Ruck

Eric Wallace, affectionately known as “The Beast”, is now in his third season with North Melbourne’s list. He led the North Ballarat Roosters in 2014 as their number one Ruckman. Eric’s biggest hurdle to an AFL debut might be the strength of North’s big man department, as they push for a second top four finish in as many seasons.

 

Mason Cox

Age: 23

Club: Collingwood Magpies

Height: 211cm

Weight: 104kg

Position: Ruck

Mason Cox was the ‘Belle of the Ball’ at the AFL’s Los Angeles combine in 2014, with numerous clubs fawning over his immense height and surprising athleticism. In the ensuing competition for his services, the Magpie Army won out due to their outstanding facilities and tradition. With Nathan Buckley’s team looking to build for the future, Cox looks set to have every chance to become a success.

 

Alex Aurrichio

Age: 24

Club: Northern Blues (VFL)

USAFL Club: New York Magpies

Height: 198cm

Weight: 109kg

Position: Ruck

Alex was introduced to Aussie Rules through the LA combine in 2014 but was not snapped up by an AFL club. Instead the budding Ruckman spent the season with the New York Magpies, playing an influential role in their USAFL Division One Championship in Dublin, OH. He trundled down to Australia off his own bat, determined to make it as a professional footy player and has landed with the Northern Blues. A great snapshot of Alex’s journey is available here.

 

Carl Winston

Age: 24

Club: Port Melbourne Borough (VFL)

Height: 172cm

Weight: 85kg

Position: Midfield

 

Torrey Harkness

Age: 24

Club: Port Melbourne Borough (VFL)

Height: 180cm

Weight: 83kg

Position: Midfield/Defence

Carl and Torrey have arrived to try out for Gary Ayres’ Port Melbourne team before the beginning of the 2015 season. They were recruited by the American Footy Star concept at the conclusion of the first season of that experience. After training for six months with the show’s creator, Milo Gladovic, they face a steep learning curve if they’re able to make the grade down at the Borough. Nonetheless, their supreme athletic gifts will give them every chance at success.

 

Ben Carpenter

Age: 24

Club: Montrose Demons (Eastern FL)

USAFL Club: Austin Crows

Height: 183cm

Weight: 93kg

Position: Outside Midfield

Ben Carpenter was one of the better performers on the USA Revolution’s IC2014 campaign, playing across the wing and half-forward. After coming out of nowhere to help lead the Austin Crows to Division One championship in 2013, Ben’s vertical leap and strong hands have established him as a name to watch in USAFL circles. In 2015 he will join Montrose FC’s quality EFL program in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, where former AFL player Troy Simmonds will mentor his development.

 

 

 Daniel Dahlquist

Age: 20

Club: Ballarat Swans (Ballarat FL)

USAFL Club: Golden Gate Roos

Height: 188cm

Weight: 75kg

Position: Tall Defender

Tall and rangy, youngster Daniel Dahlquist will look to make a name for himself with one of Victoria’s oldest clubs, the Ballarat Swans, this season. After a solid foundation performance with the Revos at IC2014, ‘Dahly’ will use the experience of 2015 to take his game to the next level. Establishing himself as a key position defender at the Swans would be a terrific achievement for Dahlquist, who looks forward to celebrating his 21st birthday while in sunny Ballarat.

 

 

 Terry Brasch

Age: 26

Club: Dimboola Roos (Wimmera FL)

USAFL Club: Portland Steelheads

Height: 183cm

Weight: 79kg

Position: Inside Midfield

Terry Brasch comes from an accomplished wrestling and rugby background, having played Aussie Rules for just over twelve months. In that short period he has had an impact on his home club, the Portland Steelheads, winning Rookie of the Year and Runner Up in the Best and Fairest in 2014. Terry will spend 2015 in the Wimmera wheat-belt with Tim Watson’s old crew, the Dimboola Roos. You can keep up with Terry’s adventures on his blog here.