NEW Temora recruit Carl Winston hopes his season at Temora can help launch a career in the AFL.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Winston and fellow American football convert Torrey Harkness arrived in Temora this week ready for a season with the reigning Farrer League premiers.
They have been in Australia six weeks, training with Victorian Football League club Port Melbourne, before signing with Temora for season 2015.
They came to Australia through American Footy Star, what was initially developed as a reality television series but became a vehicle for college footballers to embark on AFL careers.
Winston, 23, hopes a development season in Temora can boost his chances of making it to the AFL.
“My goal is to make it to AFL,” Winston said.
“That is the reason why we’re doing it.
“I don’t want to not play at the highest level, there’s no point if you’re not trying to play at the highest level, that’s how I feel about it.
“Temora is a great place and a great organisation, I’m excited about the season ahead and I’m just taking it one day at a time.”
Winston, a running back from Washington State University, is used to playing in front of crowds of 8000 people in college football in the US.
Not afraid to back his ability, Winston had no issue talking about his blistering speed.
“I’m pretty quick,” he said.
“When I get going, I’m faster in games than I am in regular practice.
“I’m hard working, I’ll make plays and I’m a great team player.
“I’ll bring a lot of energy and a lot of pace.”
Harkness, 25, hopes to play forward.
“I think I can play in a forward position,” Harkness said.
“I can bring speed, run into open spaces and play a few other positions as well.
“You can count on me as a hard worker, someone that gives their all as a team player.”
He said he has enjoyed his first few days in Temora.
“It’s been great so far man,” Harkness said.
“It’s different to the city but seeing plenty of different sights so it’s been good man.”
Temora coach Christin Macri has only had a short time with the Americans but cannot speak highly enough of the pair so far.
“The players are just motivated, really motivated,” Macri said.
“They’re fantastic from that point of view.”
Farrer round one
Temora v EWK at Nixon Park
Marrar v Northern Jets at Langtry Oval
Barellan v TRYC at Barellan
Coleambally v CSU at Coleamballly
