Josh Carmichael: Former Merbein star to debut for Collingwood

Twelve months ago Josh Carmichael was dominating for Merbein. This weekend he makes his AFL debut in another success story for mature-aged players. Who could be next?

Former Sunraysia league star Josh Carmichael has given further hope to mature-aged country footballers following his selection to make his AFL debut for Collingwood against North Melbourne tomorrow.

Carmichael dominated in the Covid-shortened 2021 season for Merbein before joining SANFL club West Adelaide this year.

The 22-year-old made an instant impact for West Adelaide and earned South Australian selection.

He was taken by Collingwood in the mid-season draft last month and has averaged 24 disposals in three games with the Magpies VFL team.

Josh Carmichael playing for Merbein last year. Picture: Michael DiFabrizio

AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan said Carmichael was yet another example of not giving up on the dream of making it to AFL level after initially missing out on being drafted.

“It’s never over,” he said.

“The stats show 28 per cent of players will be taken in the draft at a later stage than their (first year eligible).

“Many of the 18-year-olds who get on a list are still developing.

“Others are better suited to getting a job, living a normal life, playing community footy for a start and then topping it off by going somewhere like the VFL, SANFL or WAFL, where clubs are always watching.”

In this round of football last year Josh Carmichael was chasing kicks for Merbein in the Sunraysia league. He kicked two goals. This weekend he'll debut for Collingwood. Have to love everything about his journey from the bush to the big league, hey @Patrickirwin10?

— Paul Amy (@PaulAmy375) July 8, 2022

There are already players across the state hoping to emulate Carmichael.

Traralgon’s David Brinker-Ritchie impressed early in the season before getting a call-up to VFL side Box Hill and Gisborne midfielder Brad Bernacki was one of the early favourites for the Bendigo league’s Michelsen Medal before being a regular with Essendon VFL in recent weeks.

Albury’s Jacob Conlan palying for Ovens and Murray this season. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Albury duo Riley Bice and Jacob Conlan have been picked to play for Greater Western Sydney’s VFL team against Williamstown this weekend.

Both represented the Ovens and Murray league recently with Bice high among the best players.

Conlan has also kicked 33 goals for Albury this year.