In one of the more heart-warming stories of season 2023 to date, Carlton has named mature-age rookie Alex Cincotta for his debut against the Saints at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
The club announced the news on Friday on their website following Adam Saad's hamstring injury.
Initially signed to Carlton's reserves list in 2021, Cincotta became the last player added to the Blues' AFL list in 2023, being signed in the Supplemental Selection Period after impressing all at Visy Park during the pre-season.
News of the newest Blues' debut marks an amazing chapter in the rebounder's personal story, after Cincotta overcame an ACL injury in the VFL with Geelong to find a list spot at Carlton's VFL team in 2021.
The dasher would finish season 2022 as the runner up in the Blues' VFL best and fairest.
Clearly adept at overcoming adversity, Cincotta initially plied his trade in the Geelong Football League with Newtown and Chillwell and now, at 26 years of age, gets his crack at the big time for one of the league's most storied clubs.
The call-up has been well-earned, following a stellar start to his season in the VFL where he amassed 35 disposals against GWS in Round 2 before a dominant display against Richmond VFL saw him finish with 37 disposals last week.
Carlton Assistant Coach Ash Hansen praised Cincotta's character when speaking to the media on Friday morning.
โAlex Cincotta will make his debut for the Carlton Football Club, which is really exciting,โ Hansen said.
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โIt's a story of persistence and resilience. He's certainly well-equipped. He'll provide some really good run and maturity at the contest.โ
With the full team set to be announced at 5 pm, the feel-good factor for Sunday's game is already in overdrive.
The Blues and Saints will do battle before a sold-out Marvel Stadium at 3:25 pm (AEST) on Sunday afternoon.
