Cebby Johnson named as Hawthorn’s first ever AFL Blind player

PLAYING football at all, let alone for his beloved Hawthorn was a dream up until recently young Territorian Cebby Johnson thought would never be possible

PLAYING football at all, let alone for his beloved Hawthorn was a dream that until recently young Territorian Cebby Johnson thought would never be possible.

But thanks to a new concept known as AFL blind, the mad Hawthorn fan will pull on the brown and gold later this month.

The 14 year old, originally from Tennant Creek, permanently lost his eyesight after falling through a roof in Dromana last August but has been granted his dream to once again play AFL, like his idol Cyril Rioli.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson with Cebby Johnson, the Hawks’ first ever signed AFL Blind player. Picture: Supplied

“It’s great to be kicking goals again, I never imagined I’d get the chance,” he said.

“Hawthorn are the greatest club. They feel like my second family.

“They are wonderful and to play for them makes me so happy.”

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In a video on Hawthorn’s website, Cebby was in high spirits about the new opportunity.

“It’s amazing and wonderful and I can’t wait to play AFL Blind football,” he said.

“I’m like a mini Cyril Rioli but blind.”

Cebby was told by the Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson in front of the playing group he’d be signing as the team’s first ever AFL Blind player, as he explained to the legendary coach how the game works and told the players he’ll be playing at full forward.

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The AFL Blind format is different to regular football, with just six players per side taking to the field at a time and a combination of lights and noises indicating where the ball and goals are, in a controlled indoor environment.