ON THE final day of the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP), Alex Cincotta was offered his first spot on an AFL list at 26 years of age. 

Starting his journey in the Geelong Football League with Newtown & Chilwell before finding his way to the Carlton Reserves, Cincotta couldn't have been happier in the moments after finding out he would be an AFL-listed Blue.

Putting in immense work to impress the coaching staff, recruiters and his new teammates over the pre-season, Wednesday afternoon marked a key moment in a journey full of twists and turns.

Training once a week with the senior group (as well as topping up a few times last year), Cincotta is elated to finally crack into the system and start training again – this time as an AFL-listed player, having an existing relationship with the majority. 

“It’s been a big three days but in saying that, I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait to get started,” Cincotta said. 

“I’ve played VFL here the last couple of years and I’ve been doing a lot of sessions with the AFL guys, and I feel like I really have a great connection with the guys.” 

Cincotta’s journey to the Carlton Reserves wasn’t as smooth as one would’ve hoped, with the recruit arriving fresh off ACL surgery, having to do much of his rehab in Covid lockdown restrictions. 

Getting a call from then-VFL Coach Daniel O’Keefe meant that Cincotta saw an opportunity for a fresh start, with the VFL group wrapping their arms around the defender. 

“I first did my ACL at the start of 2020 and all the gyms and cafes and the whole world shut down,” he said. 

“I got a call during Covid from Dan O’Keefe and he asked me to come down and train and be a part of the VFL down here at Carlton. 

“I got here and worked really closely with Will Tardif - one of the physios here - he got me up to scratch and really strong and powerful and I haven’t really looked back.” 

Speaking of the dynamic duo of O’Keefe and current VFL Coach Luke Power (also Head of AFL Development), Cincotta attributed his eventual selection to both of them, noting he could rely on them day or night for help.

Having played under the pair in the VFL finals campaign in 2022, Cincotta knew he could rely on either to further his development and help him achieve his goals. 

“I worked really closely with O’Keefe and Luke Power through my two years here,” he said. 

“I’ve been very fortunate to have a great relationship with them, I can really ask them anything and they’ve always picked up the phone and given me the time of day.

“They’ve put a lot of work and time into me on and off the field so I’m extremely lucky.”

Before arriving at his Carlton Media interview, Cincotta got off an emotional family phone call, where he, his parents and sister celebrated the long journey that he had been on to date. 

“They were super proud of me,” he said.  

“They know the journey I’ve been on and the amount of work I’ve put in over four or five years - setback after setback - and they understand what this means to me.”