THE Port Adelaide Football Club has signed a rookie with an ‘international’ twist.
Melbourne-born and raised Daniel Bass, 22, is a 198cm, 100kg basketballer who returned to Australia mid-year after a four year US College Basketball stint at Metro State University in Denver, Colorado.
The fact Bass has not been registered with any football league for more than three years means under the AFL’s rookie rules he qualifies to be listed by a club without having to go through the draft system.
Port Adelaide Football Operations Manager Peter Rohde says Bass was discovered through the Power’s recruiting network as the club searched for future ruck options. The club invited him to Alberton for a mid-season try-out and testing, where he impressed despite a very limited football background.
“We keep a pretty close eye on basketball, especially some of the bigger blokes given we’ve had some success there with Dean Brogan,” Rohde said.
“Daniel’s certainly got some terrific athletic qualities and having been in an elite sporting environment in the State’s he’s already had four years of physical development.
“Being a Melbourne boy he’s familiar with footy and played a little growing up, so he’s not starting completely ‘cold’ there.
“We see Daniel as a medium-term ruck project for us - we certainly don’t have high expectations for the coming season, but we think it could be a two-to-three year development process instead of a four-to-five year one.”
Bass returned from the US mid-year and played basketball with Knox in the SEABL.
He will commence training along with the Power’s 2-4 year players on Monday.
