Carlton VFL speedster Alex Cincotta wins final spot on AFL list

Carlton has used its final list spot to pick up a speedy defender following Zac Williams’ season-ending knee injury.

Dashing defender Zac Williams will miss the 2023 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in pre-season training. Picture: Michael Klein

Carlton has thrown an AFL lifeline to mature age defender Alex Cincotta as the Blues look to fill a void left by injured halfback Zac Williams.

A speedy rebounding defender who finished second in the Blues’ VFL best and fairest last year, Cincotta has been rewarded for his consistency after he played every game and averaged 21 disposals.

The 26-year-old, snapped up hours before the SSP deadline closed on Wednesday, was Carlton’s second supplementary pick of the summer, with Oakleigh Chargers ruckman Hudson O’Keeffe signed on Friday.

Two spots were vacated on the Blues’ active list by Williams’ (knee) and Sam Philip’s (foot) injuries.

Alex Cincotta finished second in Carlton’s VFL best and fairest in 2022. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio / Getty Images

Carlton list manager Nick Austin had also considered former Richmond and Gold Coast defender Oleg Markov to replace Williams across halfback, but the athletic 26-year-old was snapped up by Collingwood last week.

“After a superb season in the reserves last year, we are delighted to elevate Alex onto the AFL list,” Austin said.

“Alex will work closely with our defensive group, building on his craft and developing his skills even further.

“He’s a mature-age player, who already understands our system and has played with a lot of our group, so we’re excited for Alex and pleased we’ve been able to provide him with an opportunity.”

Before reaching VFL level, Cincotta had plied his trade with Geelong Football Netball League club Newtown and Chilwell, where he played 62 senior games between 2016 and 2021.

Originally published as Carlton VFL speedster Alex Cincotta wins final spot on AFL list