Warrnambool Seahawks basketballer Aidan Carroll earns senior football debut with Old Collegians

At 17, his physical attributes have attracted interest from south-west basketball and football leaders.

Big V club Warrnambool Seahawks handed Carroll a debut in the statewide competition earlier this season.

Now, some nine games into his career, he’s chipping in with valuable minutes as a centre.

Carroll returned to football this season at the encouragement of Seahawks assistant coach Barry Brooks, who has strong ties to Warrnambool and District league club Old Collegians. The Brauer College student, who moved to Warrnambool from Werribee two years ago, will make his senior debut as the substitute against East Warrnambool on Saturday. 

“This is my first season in about eight or nine years,” Carroll said. 

“I was pretty rapt about it (my first senior game) actually. I was surprised it came this early.

“I played a game in the ressies last week so I thought that’s where I was going to stay but I got a phone call asking to play seniors.”

Basketball is Carroll’s true passion – he hopes to make it to the NBL – but he’s enjoying his foray into football.

The ruckman is learning from reigning J.A Esam Medallist Scott Lenehan.

“Barry got me involved with that. He got me a little bit enthused,” Carroll said.

“I started playing for Old Collegians and started loving it more and more each day, each training.

“Now I am just as committed to it as basketball. Dad used to play it a lot and he reckons my sporting touch for that kind of stuff has come off him and I used to do Auskick when I was younger. Plus, it’s a good sport.”

Carroll’s rise on the basketball court has come quicker than expected too.

He hopes to build on the 10 minutes’ court time he received last round when he suits up against Keysborough on Saturday night – just hours after his first senior football game.

“Working under Gynesy (Alex Gynes) and Simon (O’Keefe) has been beautiful. It’s developing my game,” Carroll said.