The pathway from the AFL to the NFL has become increasingly familiar, with a growing number of former Australian footballers making the switch to American football as punters.
But with the NFL finally making its long-awaited debut in Australia on Friday at the MCG between the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, it begs the question: could an Aussie footballer make an impact in another position on the gridiron?
In the spirit of the historic clash, I set out to build a hypothetical NFL team using current AFL players — matching their physical attributes, skill sets and playing styles to the positions that could best suit them in American football.
Defensive Lineup
Middle Linebacker
Patrick Cripps - Can instruct the players around him just like how he leads his team, also relentless to the ball and a tough tackler.
Outside Linebackers
Jack Steele - Burly build, one of the best tacklers in the AFL, a great defensive mind needed for the required position.
Finn Callaghan - Another big-frame player, prolific tackler and has the speed to fit the amount of area that his position needs to cover.
Cornerbacks
Connor Idun - One of the best one-on-one defenders in the AFL who can measure up with the quickest of players.
Bradley Hill - Regularly in the discussion for fastest players in the AFL, who has the defensive background to fit the role nicely.
Safeties
Sam Berry - The current best tackler in the league, needed for a position that acts as the last line of defence for the team.
George Wardlaw - Relentless on the chase, never gives up, and tough as nails; you wouldn't, would be more of a free safety with his ability to bulldoze through.
Defensive Tackles
Aliir Aliir - An imposing force to go toe-to-toe against strength-wise, Allir has the height to match any big body that attempts to stop him.
James Rowbottom - One of the better tacklers the AFL has to offer; the defensive background isn't there, but the physicality suited for the role definitely is.
Defensive Ends
Luke Jackson - One of the league's most versatile ruckmen, known for his uncanny agility and speed for his height that can be perfectly utilised to hunt down quarterbacks.
Marcus Bontempelli - Known to be a force on the field through his take-off speed to the ball and skill to not only avoid tackles but also break through them.
