American AFL hopeful Alex Aurrichio signs with NEAFL club Southport Sharks

ALEX Aurrichio is the 198cm tall and 110kg American man of muscle who headlines the list of key recruits for the Southport Sharks as they chase a second straight premiership. Find out why he believes the Sharks can finally help him reach the AFL.

THE lure of working with former AFL player and ruck coach Matthew Primus is the stimulus behind hulking American Alex Aurrichio’s move to the Southport Sharks.

Aurrichio headlines a list of big name recruits for the Sharks ahead of the 2019 season and with hands that envelope nearly the entire Sherrin, the 198cm tall and 110kg man of muscle stands ready to help lead Southport to a potential second straight NEAFL premiership.

The 28-year-old is entering his fifth year of playing Australian rules and hasn’t given up hope of earning a rookie contract with an AFL club.

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Aurrichio said Southport would give him the greatest opportunity to showcase his skills while working with new Sharks assistant Primus, a former captain of Port Adelaide and coach at the Gold Coast Suns.

“I want to continue to develop and the biggest thing about coming here is to first and foremost work with ruck coach Matt Primus,” Aurrichio said.

“My goal is to be drafted, either through the mid-season draft or as a category B rookie. “That’s the goal I’ll keep working towards.”

Aurrichio spent two years at Carlton’s VFL affiliate Northern Blues, another two at SANFL club South Adelaide before having a short stint at Northern Territory Football League club Waratahs at the end of 2018.

Alex Aurrichio has signed for reigning NEAFL premiers Southport Sharks. Picture: Jerad Williams.

Despite his superior strength in the contest Aurrichio’s height — most AFL ruckman stand over 205cm, has been the biggest thing to turn recruiters off.

It has meant Aurrichio has had to continue working at improving his quality in both the ruck and forward.

“In today’s game it’s about how versatile you can be and how many strings you can add to your bow,” Aurrichio said.

“Last year I spent some time as a key forward and if I keep working on both and become that dual threat, that will make me an attractive option.”

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Tom Wilkinson, 22, was rookie listed by North Melbourne after impressing with Southport last year, something that didn’t skip the attention of Aurrichio.

“It’s a positive sign and gives you hope because it’s been done before,” Aurrichio said.

“I had some discussion with clubs and recruiters at the end of last year but I don’t want to get too overwhelmed and try to impress any one person.

“I’ll set myself personal goals, keep working hard and focus on putting the team first. Everything will come after that.”