Collingwood and Geelong are among four AFL clubs linked to local football star

Collingwood and Geelong are reportedly among a quartet of AFL clubs that have a VAFA defender on their radar this off-season, with Collegians talent Sam Sofronidis said to be a live chance of earning a chance at the elite level.

Sofronidis, 23, won the best and fairest for his local side in a premiership-winning season this year and would also earn a selection in the VAFA premier division Team of the Year as well as a call-up to the Big V representative team.

The Collegians were led by former Geelong and Melbourne defender Jared Rivers this year, who coached the Lions to the flag before departing on a high note.

River’s links to the Cats could be a factor in Sofronidis potentially finding his way onto an AFL list over the coming months, with AFL.com.au’s Josh Gabelich reporting Geelong are one of four clubs showing an interest in the local footballer.

The report suggests Rivers has a close relationship with Geelong football boss and ex-list list manager Andrew Mackie, while Collingwood has also taken a look at Sofronidis in action for the Collegians.

If he is not selected in the intake, the possible mature-aged recruit might be a feasible target for the preseason Supplemental Selection Period as a train-on option. He may also be taken into consideration for the rookie draft later this month.

In addition to Geelong and Collingwood, Sofronidis is reportedly attracting interest from Sydney and the Gold Coast as well. He may be the next local league star to join the AFL.

Through this year’s SSP window, Richmond and Melbourne recruited local talent in Kaelan Bradtke and Kye Turner, respectively, while Collingwood took Joe Richards, an Ovens & Murray League player from Wangaratta, with the 48th choice in the previous year’s National Draft.

Turner was signed by Frankston’s VFL after being recruited from Old Haileybury.