Which footy stars could make it in the NFL?
Carlton Dry's It's Still Footy Campaign is asking footy fans to settle the debate themselves.
Fans can enter for a chance to win two double passes to the historic NFL game at the MCG, simply by sharing, in 25 words or less, which AFL player they think would do best in the NFL and why.
After his AFL career didn't quite reach the heights he expected, Australia's self-appointed footy superstar has decided the NFL could finally be his chance to make it to the big leagues. With the confidence of a seasoned professional and the ability of, well, Brian ‘Strauchanie' Strauchan, he is determined to prove that making the switch is easier than everyone thinks.
“I've always said I was good enough to play at the highest level; it just so happens the AFL couldn't see it,” Strauchanie said.
"But now the NFL is bringing a game to Australia, and I thought, why not me? There's still a ball, there's still kicking, it's still footy, I'll still be a natural. It's obvious the four competition winners will enjoy my performance more than the other players, so I don't even need to say it.”
Strauchanie might be convinced he has what it takes, but with the NFL opening its season in Melbourne next Friday, September 11, we started thinking about which AFL players could actually have a crack at making the switch.
On the surface, the two codes look pretty different. But there's plenty of crossover when it comes to the requirements at the highest level: speed, strength, agility, hand-eye coordination, and, perhaps most importantly, being able to perform when the pressure is on.
With that in mind, we've had a crack at answering the question ourselves. Which AFL stars could make it in the NFL? Of course, we're not building an entire NFL roster here, but we've picked out a handful of AFL stars who we reckon could have a crack at some of the American game's key positions:
Kicker - Izak Rankine
Punter - Luke Ryan
Quarterback - Scott Pendlebury
Running Back - Bailey Smith
Wide Receiver - Kysaiah Pickett
Tight End - Marcus Bontempelli
Kick/Punt Returner - Lachie Ash
Safety - Callum Wilkie
Linebacker - Alex Pearce
Could any of the listed players genuinely make it in the NFL? That's another question. But with the two codes about to collide in Melbourne, it's hard not to wonder which AFL players could make the jump.
The campaign will culminate on game day, with Carlton Dry set up in Yarra Park outside the MCG through the Carlton Dry Pub, giving fans heading to the game a distinctly Australian place to come together from 7am before the action begins.
For those not lucky enough to be at the MCG, Australians across the country can get together and raise a Carlton Dry to footy of all codes at home or at their local pub.
Enter the Carlton Dry competition to win two double passes to the NFL HERE.
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