New York’s Aurrichio Has His Eyes on the AFL
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by Christina Licata, nyfooty.com
New York Magpie Alex Aurrichio began his journey to Australia flying high from a National Championship win by the Pies this October.
Formerly an athlete at Columbia University playing soccer and baseball, Aurrichio joined the New York Magpies during the 2014 season after a showing at the USAFL Combine last April. Although Aurrichio was not offered an international rookie spot after the combine, his desire to make his AFL dream a reality only grew stronger.
Working relentlessly throughout the 2014 season, Aurrichio improved his skills and knowledge of the game. At the 2014 Nationals, he proved to be a force in the ruck and helped lead the Pies to their second premiership in four years.
Having been in Melbourne for just over a month, Aurrichio is putting his effort into overdrive training with the likes of Collingwood VFL, Coburg VFL, and St. Kilda Sandringham VFL. While trainings have been challenging with hill sprints and altitude rooms, Aurrichio reports that the experience has also been extremely fun. Aurrichio keeps working hard trying to catch the eye of AFL teams.
In true Magpies fashion, former New York Magpie and 2010 USAFL Grand Final Champ Joel Daniher and his family are hosting Aurrichio during his stay. Aurrichio has also been fortunate enough to train with Terry Daniher, who he regards as “an awesome ambassador for the game and a true legend.” Of course, no trip to Melbourne would be complete without meeting former New York Magpies head coach and Collingwood fan extraordinaire, Rob Oliver.
While Aurrichio’s future in the AFL is yet to be determined, we back here in the States know that his hard work, spirit, and unweilding dedication to the game will turn heads. Until the games in March, Aurrichio plans to keep working hard and making the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity. Aurrichio said in a recent email to the New York Magpies leadership, “Thank you because without you all, I would not be out here pursuing this dream!”
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