Ex-St Kilda player Arryn Sippos takes punt on Detroit Lions in NFL

Former Saint Arryn Siposs has become the latest ex-AFL footballer with an opportunity to hit the big time in the NFL.

Former St Kilda forward Arryn Siposs in action for Auburn against Georgia in Alabama. Picture: AAP

Former Saint Arryn Siposs has become the latest ex-AFL footballer with an opportunity to hit the big time in the NFL after being recruited by the Detroit Lions as a potential punter.

Five years after his career with St Kilda finished, the Melburnian looked on as the marathon three-day NFL Draft finished on Sunday without his name called. But minutes after the draft closed, Siposs, who kicked 28 goals in 22 matches with St Kilda, was picked by the Lions as an undrafted free agent.

It is only an initial step. Siposs needs to press his case at an initial training camp to make the final 53-man roster for the 2020 season.

“That is always the dream, to be able to play on the biggest stage,” Siposs said.

He had the opportunity to play for another year with Auburn University in Alabama, a powerhouse of the collegiate football scene. But given his age and the quality of the punters who will graduate from college in 2021, Siposs decided to back himself in this year.

“My age, being 27 years old, I understand that guys can play until they are over 40 from a kicking and punting aspect in the NFL, but I think it was more about getting my foot in the door,” he said.

When playing with St Kilda, Siposs hoped to be a Saint for life, but repeated shoulder injuries prematurely finished his AFL career at the age of 22. He said other teams made approaches after the draft but he was sold on Detroit.

“Detroit was clearly the best option,” Siposs said. “I know they need a guy and I think I’m the guy who can fit into their system so I thought it was a no-brainer.”