Hypothetical Wednesday

GWS pulled off the impossible yesterday, signing NRL superstar Israel Folau to a four year deal. It has opened a whole can of worms as to whether the physically imposing Folau will be able to transfer his skill set over to the AFL. What I have done is create a team of Athletes from other sports, who might now be considering moving over to the AFL.

Full Back:

Paul Collingwood (Cricket)
Great defence and leadership qualities. Couldn't leave someone with that last name out of the side.

Billy Slater (Rugby League)
Has the physical attributes and I am reliably informed that many at Carlton (with whom the Storm train along side) believe he could step right into any AFL starting side. Would use his pace to run out of defence in the same manner as Matthew Scarlett.

Lleyton Hewitt (Tennis)
Dogged defender, whose determination on the field would make it very difficult to get the ball past.


Half Back:

Mark Webber (Formula 1)
Love his pace and skill off the half back line. Also not afraid to have a crack at Andrew Demetriou about the AFL becoming a 'Nanny State'

Payton Manning (American Football)
His direction from the back line will be crucial.

Ellyse Perry (Cricket & Soccer)
Plays just about everything else, why not give Aussie Rules a crack?


Centre:

Usain Bolt (Athletics)
Obvious wingmen with his blistering pace. Would really like to develop his key forward prospects too. He has the height for it, and I'd love to see a full back try to catch him on the lead.

Lebron James (Basketball)
Already has the body to deal with the wear and tear of AFL, my major concern is his mental ability. Can't have him cracking the sads everytime something goes against him on the field.

Greg Inglis (Rugby League)
Pace, Size and skill. He is a Lance Franklin clone, and hopefully his ability will match


Half Forward:

Harry Kewell (Soccer)
Devastating left boot that can easily be transferred onto the AFL field. His run will also be important.

Sharelle McMahon (Netball)
May need to bulk up, but her leadership skill, and ability under intense pressure is proven.

Tim Cahill (Soccer)
Can run all day, and will probably be moved onto the ball at some point. Also has a great leap. To compliment his game, he may approach the AFL to try and change the rules, allowing goals to be scored from headers.


Full Forward:

Geoff Ogilvy (Golf)
Fantastic under pressure, I expect Geoff will kick many goals late in big and close games, when others around him start to feel the pressure.

Lauren Jackson (Basketball)
Will use her height and agility to take plenty of big grabs.

Damien Oliver (Jockey)
Ready to crumb the ball as soon as it hits the deck from the tall forwards.


Foll:

Yao Ming (Basketball)
Couldn't look past his height for out number 1 ruckmen.

Lionel Messi (Soccer)
He is harder to tackle than Robert Harvey, with his amazing core strength. Also has the pace we love. He's biggest asset though is the ability to push forward and score goals.

Roger Federer (Tennis)
The Rolls Royce of the side. Glides across the field and will win the hearts of the purist quicker than most, with his exquisite skills and respect for the history of the game.


Interchange:

Steve Hooker (Athletics)
Our Back-up Ruckmen, who has an impressive leap.

Serena Williams (Tennis)
Will have the boys looking twice when she comes steaming out of the forward line

Casey Stoner (Moto GP)
Highly attacking player, who needs to work on his defensive skills and tempo footy.

Eamon Sullivan (Swimming)
Being in the starting side is like winning gold medals, and Eamon is just not quite there.