David Harding
Gippy
Kristy lee
Cain Riveracould the AFL see an NFL star cross over?
February 14th 2010 12:12
When Ron Borassi coached in the 1970s he had an idea of trying American MBA stars as ruckmen, the dream never really took off, but the AFL has had some converts from the basketball court Dean Brogan, David Fanning to name two recent names that have crossed off. Dean Brogan winning a premiership with both an AFL side (Port Adelaide) and NBL Side (Adelaide 36ers) it makes you wonder if these big guys that are trained to block, and almost crush each other on the football field with their pads would ever consider a move.
A problem arises though, getting a player young enough to Australia so he can learn the game, and then enter into the development system and become a good player for the club he plays for. Which may almost shut the door on any NFL player currently converting to the sport, but what about at College level? We have seen Gaelic Footballers change codes and be successful just look at former Magpie Marty Clarke, or Tadhg Kennelly who have made the successful move from Ireland to Australia and starred with their AFL side.
Kenelly and Clarkes pathway was paved by the Demons Irish born ruckman Jim Stynes a man that won a Brownlow but was unsuccessful in making it to the big stage and winning a flag. Stynes left a great legacy for the Irish born AFL stars to cross over into this game, and so has the International Rookie System that has young players around the word getting themselves a chance to come play our great game.
The AFL had adopted a new name for a position from the NFL, and teams are wearing the state of the art headsets NFL coaches wear on the sidelines, so it so far fetched that we could see an NFL Quarterback try and fill the position on an AFL field? Could a Drew Brees help lead a team to an AFL premiership as a defender maybe? Maybe Shawne "Lights Out" Merriman could slot back into a full back position for someone?
It could happen, couldn't it? We are in a new age where international rookies are being snapped up, before the last decade how many people would have seen this many AFL players choosing to live the American dream and become an NFL star?
So why can't we see an NFL star live the Australian dream? Imagine the international following in the United States should an American play in a premiership winning team after leaving his American dream as an NFL player to lead an AFL club to a premiership?
It's an interesting thought.
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