Speedster Andrew Gallucci has caught the eye of AFL recruiters during a break-out season with Williamstown in the VFL.
The 21-year-old is one of the most damaging small forwards in the competition, with 18 goals in 13 games, and his forward defensive pressure is admired at the Seagulls.
He was one of six VFL players to be selected to attend Victorian state screening at Etihad Stadium later this year.
To be among the 123 players nationwide, you had to have been nominated by at least two AFL recruiters.
“That’s a great reward for him,” Seagulls’ football manager Chris Dixon told Star Weekly.
“If he keeps putting his head down, who knows what might happen at the end of the year.”
Gallucci, originally from Strathmore in the EDFL, has been on Williamstown’s list since 2013. In the past off-season, he received offers from multiple rival clubs, but re-committed to the Seagulls for one last crack at earning a regular senior berth.
He has not looked back since his insertion into the round two team against Sandringham, playing 13 of the past 14 games to be a permanent fixture in the ones.
“He was probably a little frustrated that he didn’t play more senior games last year,” Dixon said. “To his credit, he did have another couple of opportunities to go to other VFL clubs, and one club in particular made a pretty big play for him, but he wanted to make it here and wanted to be a senior footballer here.
“To do that, he had to put in a big summer of work and he worked really hard on the training track. To come in and have the confidence to play senior footy the way he has been has certainly put a few recruiters back on notice.”
Gallucci graduated from the famed Calder Cannons football factory. He was one of the most exciting players in the TAC Cup, but now has a more well-rounded game and a stronger fitness base.
“His highlights’ package at TAC Cup level was one of the best you’ll ever see,” Dixon said. “He was full of tricks, dancing and weaving around opponents, but he needed to focus on sustaining that and having the fitness, game in and game out … he’s seeing the rewards now.”
Lance Jenkinson
