World Cup qualifier: Craig Moller living his basketball dream

Australia’s newest Boomer, ex-AFL rookie Craig Moller, says pulling on the singlet was an emotional experience, even if it was for a promotional shoot with Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli.

Western Bulldogs star and new Boomer Craig Moller. Picture: Alex Coppel

Marcus Bontempelli plays down his basketball prowess, unlike “a couple of the boys” at Western Bulldogs.

After shooting hoops with Australia’s newest Boomer, ex-AFL rookie Craig Moller, the Bulldogs jet — a promising junior basketball prospect in his own right — called out the Whitten Oval wannabes.

DRAFTEES: MOSQUITO ALREADY HAS BOMBERS BUZZING

DRAFT TRADE: BRUTAL FEEDBACK SPURRED STOCKER

BUCKENARA: EVERY CLUB’S DRAFT HAUL ANALYSED

The Bulldogs, like a lot of clubs, indulge in regular basketball sessions for relaxation and recovery.

“It’s funny how quickly you lose it and all of a sudden feel completely incapable of being able to throw the rock around,” Bontempelli said after meeting Moller before Friday night’s World Cup qualifier.

Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli shoots hoops with Craig Moller. Picture: Alex Coppel

“There’s a couple of boys who fancy themselves (at the Bulldogs), but they’re not necessarily the best.

“Tim English is quite tall and skilful, and quite light on his feet, you could easily see him slot in somewhere ... Tom Boyd is another who can move really well and played a lot of basketball as a kid.

“Lin Jong fancies himself (and) is talented around the hoop ... but there’s blokes who think they are good but are no-hopers: Jack Macrae is one, Mitch Wallis is probably another who fancies himself but needs a bit of work on the jump shot.”

For Moller, just pulling on the Boomers singlet — even in a photo — is an emotional and humbling experience two years after switching from football to basketball.

Marcus Bontempelli and Craig Moller.. Picture: Alex Coppel

Moller will create history on Friday night as the first AFL-listed player to make the Boomers.

“Playing for your country is the pinnacle in our sport ... I’m super-excited,” Moller said.

Moller’s rise is well documented, having gotten a “foot in the door” at Sydney Kings and a long-term contract at Melbourne United, which culminated in an NBL title last season and now Boomers selection.

“I deserve and have earned this spot, but it’s about getting into camp,” Moller said.

“I have no expectations of my role and minutes ... I can’t control that, I can control working hard and putting my name forward.”

[e-mail]