IN HIS first official season at IKON Park, Domanic Akuei is beginning to show the talent which saw him selected by Carlton as a Category B rookie. 

The Blues’ first recruit from the Carlton Academy, Akuei has played all six games at VFL level so far this season in a strong start to the campaign for the Carlton Reserves.

It’s been more about moments as opposed to full four-quarter performances so far for the raw defender, who is beginning to showcase his mixture of work ethic and exciting talent more consistently.

Speaking to Carlton Coaches’ Corner, VFL Senior Coach Daniel O’Keefe said Akuei was doing all the right things during the week to improve himself on game day.

“He’s very athletic and that was the biggest thing that was attractive to us as a footy club,” O’Keefe said.

“In terms of future scope, we see him as a defender… he can jump up over packs and intercept. There’s no doubt that’s where the strengths are in his game.

“One of the biggest things that he has shown us is his ability to learn. He’s a really curious guy and an inquisitive person, so his knowledge and ability to soak that up has been outstanding.”

There were a number of eye-catching plays from Akuei on the weekend, when the VFL Blues enjoyed a big win over North Melbourne at IKON Park.

Akuei got himself into the game with a spoil and diving smother which stopped a certain shot on goal, and strong positioning and reaction behind the ball allowed him to impact on multiple occasions when the ball looked to be heading inside Carlton’s defensive 50.

It was that kind of defensive intent which O’Keefe said should be the foundation of Akuei’s performances going forward.

“The reliability that we’re getting from Dom is coming more to fruition as we go week by week. It will take time with him, but he’s gaining something new every week,” he said.

“Things like [those acts], as coaches - the old school one percenters - is what we absolutely love.

“Generally, team system or defensive system is one of the hardest things to pick up. What Dom has been able to do is position and reference himself with the opposition and where the ball is coming from, putting himself in good spots to either crash packs or intercept.”

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