Central Blues Australian Football Club

Next Tuesday is the day of the AFL's rookie and preseason draft when many hopeful young men will find out whether they will take the next step towards their ultimate AFL dream or not.  Among those waiting next  Tuesday in anticipation will be young Blue, Victor 'Ocho' Cinco.  Victor has been in Australia since February learning and playing footy with the Hampton Rovers.  He was also selected to represent Canada in the International Cup this past summer and despite being the youngest player on the team, he was a standout for the Northwind.  From the first game against the U.S.A. where he took a legitimate hanger and kicked the goal to the last game where he gutted it out and played well despite a shoulder injury, his natural athletic ability and competitiveness stood out.  One of the people watching the International Cup was AFL talent scout Kevin Sheehan who was impressed enough that he put Victor in touch with Sandringham of the VFL and was invited to train with them in the offseason.

Since November Victor has been training 3 times with the Dragons, Sandringham's under 18 that plays in the TAC cup as well as skills sessions with the Zebras, Sandringham's senior mens team.  He has looked noticably stronger and fitter since the International Cup and his skills have also developed further.  Former Blues premiership coach Jaye Macumber who has been serving as Victor's guardian in Australia commented on Victor's remarkable journey.  "It's amazing to think that 2 years ago he had never seen a footy before.  I still remember seeing him for the first time that day at Neil McNeil Highschool.  He picked up the footy on the wing and ran past 5 defenders while having 2 bounces and then kicked the goal.  He was just a natural athlete and had that x-factor that you can't teach" Macumber said.

It will be a longshot no doubt for Victor to be drafted as an International rookie.  He is competing with young men that have grown up living and breathing footy.  Even other international prospects will have a leg up as the Irish come from the gaelic game while Papua New Guinea prospects have benefited from the immense development resources provided by the AFL in the region. Despite these long odds, Victor and Macumber remain hopeful that an AFL team, particularly the new expansion clubs GWS and Gold Coast or the Sydney Swans, who had a good look at him during the International Cup will give him a chance to fulfill his AFL dream.

Whatever the outcome is next Tuesday, Victor will know that he gave it a fair dinkum crack at making history as the first Canadian homegrown player to be rookie listed.  The Central Blues are very proud of Victor's footy journey and can't wait to welcome him back.  He will be back in time for the Blues annual Christmas party on Dec 17th.  It will be a good chance to congratulate and welcome him back along with Arnold 'Guv' Quirong, who has also been playing footy in Australia this past year.

Victor and Jaye with Sandringham Dragons General Manager Ryan O'Connor

Victor (far left) at Dragons training