St Peter’s star Malachy Carruthers invited to AFL national draft combine but has eyes on intercol
A St Peter’s utility has caught the eye of AFL clubs after being invited to the national draft combine. He is one of the players to watch when Saints take on arch-rival Prince Alfred this Saturday.
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He is the utility who can change a game with a goal from the boundary or a run down tackle and now Malachy Carruthers’ focus is firmly on winning the intercol against Prince Alfred.
Carruthers has been a key pillar to Saints’ successful first XVIII college football season, featuring in the best players in almost every game and helping his side to a 6-1 record.
The 17-year-old has also caught the eye of AFL recruiters after being invited to test at the national draft combine later this month.
But before his focus turns to the combine, Carruthers is hoping to end PAC’s undefeated streak this season and help his side win the intercol this Saturday.
“The intercol is really exciting and it’s a big privilege to play in as well,” Carruthers said.
“It’s the 249th intercollegiate match against PAC so I am really looking forward to it.
“It’s pretty much our big showdown.
“We are playing home again which is good for us and the crowd helps in a way.
“But I think we will let the footy do the talking — get in there and go hard at the football itself.”
Carruthers said hard work was behind his rise to a potential AFL draftee.
“(Being invited to the combine) is a pretty surreal feeling,” Carruthers said.
“I am excited, looking forward to getting out there and giving it my best shot.
“I spent a lot of time working on my strength and conditioning, trying to get stronger so I can handle the bigger bodies.
“I’ve also been working on my running and my kicking to make sure all aspects of my game were at the highest level possible.”
The Sturt junior, who has played four under-18 games with the Double Blues this year, hoped Saints would return to the winners’ list against PAC after losing to Sacred Heart last week.
Carruthers kicked a stunning goal from the boundary to help switch the momentum into Saints’ favour in the third term against Hearts but the side ran out of legs in the last quarter.
It was Saints’ only loss for this season and the youngster hopes it stays that way after this weekend.
“(That goal against Hearts) was a bit lucky,” Carruthers said.
“We are super lucky to have even got a season this year (with COVID)
“We’ve strung together a few games - we’ve made the most of it and embraced it.
“Hopefully we get a win against PAC.”
St Peter’s is hosting Prince Alfred in this year’s intercol and kick off is at 2.15pm.
The match is a ticketed event.
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