Carlton set to debut former Newtown & Chilwell junior Alex Cincotta against St Kilda

Newtown & Chilwell coach Damien McMahon believes former Eagles junior Alex Cincotta will have an immediate impact at the AFL after being handed his debut.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 31: Alex Cincotta of the Blues looks on during the round sixteen VFL match between Sandringham Zebras and the Carlton Blues at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on July 31, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Jonathan DiMaggio/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Newtown & Chilwell coach Damien McMahon believes former Eagles junior Alex Cincotta will have an immediate impact at the AFL after being handed his debut.

The 26 year old was picked up by the Blues in the pre-season supplemental period after starring for the VFL side in 2022, and will play his first AFL game in round 6 against St Kilda.

McMahon said Cincotta was the ultimate story of perseverance.

“It’s really satisfying to see him live out his dream, he’s a guy that’s wanted to do that for his entire life,” he said.

“He’s had a lot of setbacks along the way, but he’s shown a lot of resilience to finally get his opportunity.

“I was really confident that if he did get drafted that he would play footy, and to see that happening at round 6, knowing he’s only been on a list for a couple of months, is pretty outstanding for him.”

Alex Cincotta has risen from local footy to make his AFL debut for Carlton. Picture: Peter Ristevski

Cincotta has come into Carlton’s line-up as a ready-made replacement for dashing defender Adam Saad, who will miss up to two weeks with a slight hamstring strain.

His form in the VFL has been strong to start 2023, collecting 35 touches, five marks and two tackles in round 2, followed by 37 disposals, eight marks and four tackles in round 4 against Richmond.

Cincotta was “on a different level”, according to McMahon.Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

The news of Saad’s injury came as veterans Sam Docherty and Zac Williams are both out with respective knee injuries, opening up an opportunity for Cincotta to slot straight in.

Cincotta overcame his own injury issues in his amateur career, tearing his ACL ahead of the 2020 season.

Cincotta spent time on Geelong’s VFL list. He tore his ACL ahead of the 2020 season. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

McMahon said he expected Cincotta to feature off the half back flank.

“I think his best football has always been played facing the game and running straight at it,” he said.

“He’s got great evasive skills and he can go both sides of his body with really good speed off the line.

“That’s his perfect position, that’s where he’ll play his best AFL football, but he’s not limited to that, he can play as a wing or a half forward and he can kick a goal or two.

“He simulates similar styles of play (to Saad, Docherty and Williams), so makes sense he’s going to replace them.”

Originally published as Carlton set to debut former Newtown & Chilwell junior Alex Cincotta against St Kilda