SFNL: How Cheltenham landed Tassie young gun Max Roney

A “funny” connection played a key role in an exciting prospect from Tasmania landing at Southern league club Cheltenham when he moves to the mainland later this year.

Max Roney of the Tassie Devils. Picture: Kelly Defina/AFL Photos/via Getty Images .

A local cricket club played a key role in an exciting prospect from Tasmania landing at Cheltenham when he moves to the mainland later this year.

18-year-old Max Roney has been included on Casey’s VFL development list for the upcoming season, and reigning Southern league champions Cheltenham have secured his services as the teen’s local club.

Roney played 12 games for Tasmania in the Coates Talent League last season and was named among the best players in seven of those clashes. He also played 11 senior TSL games for North Launceston over the past two seasons and nominated for last year’s AFL draft, but wasn’t picked up.

Roney is still based in Tasmania, but is expected to move to Melbourne in May.

“I haven’t had a lot to do with him to be honest … (but) he sounds like he’s a pretty damn good athlete and can play footy as well,” Cheltenham coach Justin Pickering said.

“I’m not sure what Casey’s plans are with him but if he needs to play a few games with us before he plays with Casey that will be a bonus.”

It was a connection through South East Cricket Association club East Sandringham that led to Cheltenham securing Roney.

“It’s good how there’s a few connections, I know (Roney’s) uncle through the cricket club actually and he stayed with him while he was over in Melbourne, we got connected that way,” Pickering said.

“It’s a funny connection but it’s worked out pretty well. Max didn’t know a lot about the Melbourne football scene so it will be good to get him down if we get a chance.”

Fellow Casey Demon Riley Bonner is also affiliated with Cheltenham this season and played in the club’s match simulation on Wednesday night.

“He’ll obviously get to know Max and at least there’ll be some sort of connection there as well,” Pickering added.

Riet Pal, who spent time on Collingwood’s VFL list, has also been training with Cheltenham but is yet to commit to a club.