New Signing - Sam Alabakis

[diddley]

New category B rookie has just been signed to the saints.
211cm Perth born Basketballer.
Welcome to the saints Sam!!
Source afl.com.au

[chico2001]

Welcome Sam, not sure if he has ever played the game before though. If we can get him to mason Cox level then be very happy with that.

[on the outer]

US College basketball giant Sam Alabakis has joined St Kilda as a Category B rookie.
At 211cm, the 21-year-old will equal Fremantle stalwart Aaron Sandilands and Collingwood big-man Mason Cox as the tallest player on an AFL list ever.
The Perth native has been playing and studying at the University of Louisiana Monroe for the past three years but will now join the Saints in the pre-season.
“I couldn’t be happier to be joining St Kilda,” the former Hale School student said.
“I never thought I’d get the chance to play AFL, but the club has been really encouraging and welcoming, and I can’t wait to get started and repay the faith they’ve shown in me.”
Head of List Management James Gallagher said the Perth Wildcats development squad member had all the attributes to be a potential AFL ruckman.
“Sam was personally identified by our ruck coach, Adam Skrobalak, and from their first session together we’ve seen several encouraging signs,” Gallagher said.
“His height is obviously a huge advantage, but his kicking abilities and natural athleticism have been among some really promising early indicators.
“Sam has played rugby before so has a good tackling base and doesn’t mind body contact, and he obviously knows what it’s like to train like a professional athlete having played basketball at such a high level.
“He’s used to 360-degree movement, reads the ball well and his skill at ground level is really good, especially for someone so tall.
“Sam is very mature for his age and has already shown an impressive level of professionalism and eagerness to learn. We’re very much looking forward to having him on board.”

[tedtheodorelogan2018]

Great move and punt. What a big boy.

[Sainter_Dad]

I know that they cant give us a heads up for fear of showing their hand - but at least this says that they are thinking of the future and planning/trying things.

Anyways



Welcome Sam - may you go on to play over 200 games for the mighty RW&B

https://ulmwarhawks.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3403

[ace]

211cm so already a head ahead of McCartin.

[saintspremiers]

Can we delist Longer now please?

[Joffa Burns]

Love it!

Regardless of outcome it can’t hurt punting on a Perth born and raised 211cm basketballs.

Nothing ventured nothing gained.

[fugazi]

Good move. Brendan Lade should be a good coach for him.

[DJ Higgins]

I am really curious to know how much rugby he played. Most likely he would have played in the second row due to his height i.e. he would be right in the argy bargy so he can handle the hits plus he would be leaping for the ball in the line outs. Either way I never complain about Rookie B's as they are all worth punts even though they rarely work out

[The_Dud]

Already more useful around the ground than Longer.

[stkfc1]

Alaaaabaaakissss!! Wowee! Can already hear BT making the call. Kid will be a star!

[stonecold]

Welcome Sam, all the best, I'm sure your already better than the 'Volleyballer' we had trying to play ruck!!!!!

[The_Dud]

Welcome Sam, all the best, I'm sure your already better than the 'Volleyballer' we had trying to play ruck!!!!!

So this kid now has a contract, does Billy have one yet?

[Sainternist]

This move has cheered me up somewhat. Great acquisition.

[stonecold]

Welcome Sam, all the best, I'm sure your already better than the 'Volleyballer' we had trying to play ruck!!!!!

So this kid now has a contract, does Billy have one yet?

Sure does Duddly, I answered that question already!!!!!

[The_Dud]

Welcome Sam, all the best, I'm sure your already better than the 'Volleyballer' we had trying to play ruck!!!!!

So this kid now has a contract, does Billy have one yet?

Sure does Duddly, I answered that question already!!!!!

Must have missed that announcement from the club. Details..?

[stonecold]

Welcome Sam, all the best, I'm sure your already better than the 'Volleyballer' we had trying to play ruck!!!!!

So this kid now has a contract, does Billy have one yet?

Sure does Duddly, I answered that question already!!!!!

Must have missed that announcement from the club. Details..?

6 year deal, $1.3mill per year!!!!!

Have patience my friend, I know your all excited, all will be revealed soon!!!!!

[The_Dud]

Welcome Sam, all the best, I'm sure your already better than the 'Volleyballer' we had trying to play ruck!!!!!

So this kid now has a contract, does Billy have one yet?

Sure does Duddly, I answered that question already!!!!!

Must have missed that announcement from the club. Details..?

6 year deal, $1.3mill per year!!!!!

Have patience my friend, I know your all excited, all will be revealed soon!!!!!

Obviously a performance based contract, 100k per kick

[mad saint guy]

I like it. If he's genuinely athletic and aggressive the worst case scenario is we end up with a much taller, quicker version of Longer

Sure is one goofy looking dude though

[bergsone]

Reads good doesn',t it,what Ilike about it is being from WA would have a good understanding of AFL,not like a US import who has to start from rock bottom

[Sainter_Dad]

I like it. If he's genuinely athletic and aggressive the worst case scenario is we end up with a much taller, quicker version of Longer

Sure is one goofy looking dude though

Looks count for naught on the football field - just ask Ben Brown

[saintadamski]

I'm liking this!

[saynta]

Welcome Sam, all the best, I'm sure your already better than the 'Volleyballer' we had trying to play ruck!!!!!

Bit harsh SC.

[chico2001]

Welcome Sam, all the best, I'm sure your already better than the 'Volleyballer' we had trying to play ruck!!!!!

So this kid now has a contract, does Billy have one yet?

Sure does Duddly, I answered that question already!!!!!

Must have missed that announcement from the club. Details..?

6 year deal, $1.3mill per year!!!!!

Have patience my friend, I know your all excited, all will be revealed soon!!!!!

I will be mighty pissed off if he gets the same money that apparently Hickey was on.