THE SHARED story between Alex Cincotta the player and Daniel O’Keefe is a long one.
So much so that the latter said he could “write a book” about the man who became Carlton’s newest AFL-listed player just last week.
Cincotta found himself in the spotlight like never before last Wednesday, when - on the deadline of the supplemental selection period - he was told by Michael Voss that he had a spot with the senior side in 2023.
For the 26-year-old who starred for the Carlton Reserves in 2022, it was a significant step in a journey where he has - according to O’Keefe - “defied all the odds”.
“It’s amazing — absolutely amazing,” O’Keefe said in the days after Cincotta received the news.
“Most coaches who work in the development world or in the VFL will attest to this: the fulfilment you gain from having a small or big part in the journey of young players to end up getting on a list, it’s as good as anything.”
O’Keefe and Cincotta first crossed paths in 2019, when O’Keefe was a part-time coach for the Geelong VFL program which the defender was a part of.
According to O’Keefe, Cincotta was dominating in the Geelong Football League for Newtown and Chilwell, but that was where he was maxing out.
It was in 2020 when O’Keefe moved to Carlton, and 12 months later he became the inaugural coach of the Carlton Reserves.
It wasn’t long after when Cincotta’s phone rang. While he may have been the final player added to Carlton’s AFL list in 2023, he was the first player signed by the VFL Blues for 2021.
“Once we understood after the hub year that we were going to go standalone with the Carlton Reserves team, he was the first person I called,” he said.
“It didn’t take much convincing. I’ve been connected with him and had that strong relationship with him, but it was also because he felt like there was an opportunity with us there.”
As has always been the case with Cincotta, it wasn’t all smooth sailing when he arrived at IKON Park — he’s been made to do it the hard way.
It was on the eve of the ultimately cancelled 2020 VFL season when he injured his ACL. A long and arduous road to recovery ensued, and after 18 months waiting for a chance to return, he came back against Sandringham in July of the 2021 campaign.
One week later, the season was once again postponed. Cincotta was again left waiting.
Yet, O’Keefe believes that solitary game gave Cincotta the confidence he needed. And it’s clear he didn’t look back when given the chance in 2022.
“Paddy Dow had as good a VFL season as anyone, and Alex nearly pipped him for the best and fairest,” he said.
“It goes to show how good of a VFL season Alex had last year.
“It was all worthwhile, to take that extra time to get the strength back in his legs and body.”
While Cincotta was informed of the news by Voss late on Wednesday afternoon, O’Keefe was well aware of his old club’s intentions.
A phone call from Head of List Management Nick Austin meant O’Keefe could rest easy.
“I had a conversation with Nick about Alex a couple of weeks ago, after Zaccy Williams unfortunately did his knee,” he said.
“When I saw Nick’s name pop up on my phone when I knew it was deadline day, I was hoping and thinking it’d be good news.
“Nick gave me the courtesy phone call and, knowing the journey we’ve been on together, it’s fair to say I got a bit emotional on the phone.
“Alex and I then spoke. We had a good chat… and I got emotional talking to him as well!”
O’Keefe departed his role as the coach of the Carlton Reserves at the end of last year, stepping away from AFL football and moving to Warrnambool with his wife and two young sons.
With another recruit from the Club’s VFL program, however, O’Keefe still can’t help but feel a distinct sense of pride — particularly with a close mate now at the helm.
“There’s proof in the pudding: it’s a sensational thing and a testament to not just the VFL program at Carlton, but the whole Club to have that faith.
“Luke Power is clearly doing a great job now. I’m glad that he’s in the role because I still see the Carlton Reserves as my baby but I see Luke as a bit of a brother — I’m glad it’s still in the family!”
Cincotta will wear the No.39 guernsey for the Blues in 2023.
