New Carlton draftee Tom Fields was dreaming of an NFL punting career
NEW Carlton rookie Tom Fields was preparing to try out as an NFL punter this week when his football fate took an unexpected twist.
NEW Carlton rookie Tom Fields was preparing for an NFL combine this week when his football fate took an unexpected twist.
The long-kicking South Adelaide defender flew to Melbourne on Wednesday after agreeing to test as a punter for ProKick Australia boss Nathan Chapman on Thursday.
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Hours after landing, Fields was becoming familiar with Princes Park because the Blues had selected him with the 41st pick in the AFL rookie draft.
“I was contracted at South Adelaide (for 2015) and was very keen to try and win a premiership with them next year,” says Fields, who has launched the football more than 65m during SANFL games this year.
“But beyond 2016, I was pretty open to the idea (American football).
“It was more for college and the opportunity I saw there for a college education.
“Nathan Chapman found out a bit about me and told me to come down and try out as a punter.”
Fields’ rookie selection comes as a surprise after barely being mentioned among this year’s draft prospects.
He says he was simply “hoping for the best and wasn’t really expecting anything” despite a few chats with Carlton.
“I watched my name get called out ... it was pretty amazing.”
Fields — the son of former Essendon and South Melbourne 200-gamer Neville Fields — grew up in Queensland, where his footy journey started at Labrador.
After getting overlooked at the drafts and via the father-son rule at the end of 2012, he moved to SA.
“Luckily South Adelaide rang me up a couple of days after the draft and the rest is history.
“It’s the best decision I ever made.
“This year I got my shoulders right, got myself as fit as I’ve ever been and (South coach) Brad Gotch coming in was absolutely massive for my football.”
Carlton has identified Fields as an attacking defender who can also play on the wing.
“Walking through the change rooms at Carlton and seeing Chris Judd and (Marc) Murphy’s posters everywhere, it’s pretty incredible.
“It all hasn’t begun to sink in yet but I’m sure it will.”