NEW Blue Alex Fasolo says he’s delighted to have landed at Ikon Park.
The exciting forward signed as an unrestricted free agent from arch-rival Collingwood on Tuesday evening, on a day which also saw the arrival of high-flying forward Mitch McGovern from Adelaide in a boost to the Blues’ attacking stocks.
“It’s good. It’s finally happened. I’m very happy to be at Carlton. It’s a big football club with great supporters and it’s going to be a new challenge,” Fasolo told Carlton Media.
“I’m really looking forward to getting around a young group and having an influence on the young kids and just coming in and playing my role. Every coach just wants 22 role players.”
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Despite not seeing much success in the win-loss column in recent seasons, Fasolo said he saw huge potential in Carlton’s young playing list.
The 26-year-old forward said he was looking forward to playing with his new side, including his former Collingwood teammate Dale Thomas.
“I look at the whole of Carlton’s and see so much upside. There’s been a few injuries over the last couple of years. To get blokes like Docherty back and have a new leadership with Docherty and Cripps is really exciting,” Fasolo said.
“Charlie Curnow is going to be a star – I can’t wait to play alongside him. I see lots of positives all over the ground. I’m looking forward to playing with all of the boys.
“I’ve spoken to 'Daisy' (Dale Thomas). I’m really excited to get back on board with him. He’s really good to play with.”
Having played his first seven seasons with the Blues’ arch-nemesis, Fasolo said there was a number of factors that enticed him to come to Carlton.
“Initially speaking with Brendon and Stephen (Silvagni) and other higher figures and the fact they were pretty keen to have me on board, I found alluring,” he said.
“Also, it (Carlton) being a big club, a big supporter base and playing at the MCG were factors. It also means I can stay here in Melbourne. I really love being here in Melbourne.”
“I’m excited for the next year.”
The 101-gamer, who spent the majority of the 2018 season recovering from should and syndesmosis injuries, said he had no doubt he was past his injury woes.
He said he was looking forward to working closely with the highly regarded Andrew Russell, who this week joined Carlton from Hawthorn as its Director of High Performance.
“Getting Russell from Hawthorn is exciting. Everyone says he is the man. I have no doubt my body is going to be fine,” Fasolo said.
“I’ve just had a bit of a shocking run and found myself in a few awkward positions which have cost me over the past 12 months. I’m really confident I can get my body together and play some really good footy.”
