The day late American giant Alex Aurrichio made his NEAFL debut for the Southport Sharks

June 8, 2019: It was the ultimate reflection of Alex Aurrichio’s resolve and will to compete. After fighting back from injury, he made his NEAFL debut. We honour the late football figure in this week’s Blast From The Past.

JUNE 8, 2019: It was the ultimate reflection of Alex Aurrichio’s resolve and will to compete. After fighting back from injury, he made his NEAFL debut.

We honour the late football figure, who died in an accident on Monday, in this week’s Blast From The Past.

American Alex Aurrichio had doubts he may never play football again.

The hulking 198cm New York ruckman and Southport Sharks player spent six months sidelined with injury and concedes the dark times that were scattered throughout had him questioning if he’d return.

But he proved himself wrong last weekend when he made his NEAFL debut for the Sharks in a win over Redland and has now given the team that has traditionally opted for a small forward line a new attacking dimension.

Alex Aurrichio after his NEAFL debut for the Southport Sharks against Redland at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday, June 1, 2019. Picture credit: TJ Yelds, NEAFL.

Aurrichio’s presence allowed Jed Turner to push forward and provide a second tall option next to Josh Hall.

“It was a great day and I was stoked to run out there with the boys,” Aurrichio said.

“It’s been a long six months of rehab on and off. There were definitely some dark times in the rehab group.

“I was humbled, the players all got around me and again after I kicked my first goal.

“I felt like I was really part of the club so I was really grateful.”

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The 29-year-old ruptured his plantar fascia while playing in Darwin last December in the worst part of a two-year battle with plantar fasciitis.

“Some days I had doubts I would play again. Never thought about pulling the pin and going home but it was like, will I ever be right to play again?

Reigning NEAFL premiers Southport Sharks new recruit, Alex Aurrichio. Picture: Jerad Williams

“That went through my head a couple of times. I had different injections and it wasn’t feeling any different.

“I’m happy to say that now because I proved myself wrong. There were some days I thought I’d never get to experience it so it makes it a lot more satisfying when you do.”

Aurrichio will look to have an even greater influence when Southport play Canberra today (12pm) at Fankhauser Reserve as they look to use tall to provide a new edge.

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