Author Topic: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]  (Read 24836 times)

Offline Diocletian

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Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« on: August 14, 2020, 07:07:48 PM »
213cm basketballer, and cousin of 'next Alex Rance', on Tigers' radar

Richmond showing interest in 213cm basketballer Mate Colina


By Marc McGowan
afl.com.au
14 August 2020



Mate Colina in action for the Hawaii Warriors in November, 2019. Picture: Getty Images

A GIANT former national-level basketballer with strong links to Richmond is on AFL clubs' radar as a Category B rookie.

Mate Colina is Tigers defender Noah Balta's cousin and also knows the club's ruck coach and ex-player Ivan Maric and ruckman Ivan Soldo.

AFL.com.au understands Richmond is one of several clubs that have shown interest in Colina, who's been playing division-one basketball at the University of Hawaii.

Colina, who is seven-foot tall, or 213cm, was part of the same Australian under-17 basketball squad as Brisbane forward Tom Fullarton and ex-Eagle Patrick Bines in 2016.

The 21-year-old could become the tallest player to ever appear in an AFL game if he signs a deal, edging out Collingwood's Mason Cox and ex-Docker Aaron Sandilands, who are both 211cm.

It wouldn't be the first time the Tigers have taken a punt on transforming a basketballer into a ruckman via a family connection.

Soldo, who played soccer and basketball as a teenager, had never played football before Maric convinced his cousin and Richmond six years ago that he had a future in the AFL.

He's now a premiership player and the Tigers' No.1 ruckman.

Colina has at least played some junior football, at Essendon Doutta Stars, where Balta was a teammate.

Balta is enjoying a breakout season in defence for Richmond this year, with coach Damien Hardwick saying on multiple occasions he reminds him of a young Alex Rance.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/485487/213cm-basketballer-and-cousin-of-next-alex-rance-on-tigers-radar


 :shh

« Last Edit: August 15, 2020, 02:57:30 PM by one-eyed »
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Online Andyy

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #1 on: August 14, 2020, 09:58:35 PM »
Taller version of Soldo?

Online taztiger4

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #2 on: September 10, 2020, 12:18:05 PM »
Confirmed Our new Cat B Rookie

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/810275/

Offline Diocletian

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2020, 12:19:22 PM »
CCJ replacement... :shh
"Much of the social history of the Western world, over the past three decades, has been a history of replacing what worked with what sounded good...."

- Thomas Sowell


FJ is the only one that makes sense.

Online Andyy

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2020, 12:32:52 PM »
I read somewhere on FB that we have signed Mate Collina (Balta's 213cm cousin) as a CatB rookie? Family friend of Soldos.

Anyone confirm?

Offline The Machine

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #5 on: September 10, 2020, 12:38:00 PM »
I read somewhere on FB that we have signed Mate Collina (Balta's 213cm cousin) as a CatB rookie? Family friend of Soldos.

Anyone confirm?

Confirmed- on the website :thumbsup

Offline pmac21

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #6 on: September 10, 2020, 01:03:23 PM »
CCJ replacement... :shh

Nothing less than a first round draft pick under 15 for CCJ.  Contracted plenty of upside, we need to drive a hard bargain. 

Offline The Machine

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #7 on: September 10, 2020, 01:46:03 PM »
CCJ replacement... :shh


As you well know, two very different situations pertaining to development/talent. CCJ is a highly regarded talent who is ready to play at the highest level. Colina will take time to develop similar to Soldo. I like the signing though as it show the trust he has in the club to develop him accordingly.

Offline Diocletian

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #8 on: September 10, 2020, 03:19:54 PM »
Will line up round one v Carlton...#colina2hollands2junior  :shh
"Much of the social history of the Western world, over the past three decades, has been a history of replacing what worked with what sounded good...."

- Thomas Sowell


FJ is the only one that makes sense.

Offline one-eyed

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #9 on: September 11, 2020, 04:16:03 AM »
The AFL's tallest player: Tigers sign 213cm basketballer with close links to club

Mate Colina is Richmond's newest football project


By Marc McGowan
afl.com.au
10 September 2020


Richmond has signed 213cm college basketballer Mate Colina as a Category B rookie, making him the tallest player on an AFL list.

Colina, 21, grew up in Melbourne but has spent the past two years playing division-one basketball for the University of Hawaii.

He also represented Australia at the U17 FIBA World Championships in 2016 and was a member of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) as part of its basketball program.

The big man is the cousin of emerging defender, Noah Balta and has a close relationship with ruckman, Ivan Soldo and ruck coach, Ivan Maric through family bonds that span generations.

“It’s pretty surreal,” Colina told Richmond Media from Hawaii.

“I couldn’t be prouder to be with such a prestigious Club that has such a rich history and culture. I think it is a Club that in the long run would help me become a better person as well, and a leader.”

Colina said it was the close connections he has with Balta, Maric and Soldo that drew him towards Richmond, particularly Balta, who he lived just three doors down from in Melbourne.

The pair also attended the same school and were football teammates at both the Essendon Doutta Stars and Calder Cannons as juniors.

“Noah is like a brother to me who has immense character and is like a best mate that you couldn’t ask for,” he said.

“Having him at the Club, it’s pretty awesome.”

Colina, who has elite aerobic capacity to match his giant frame has drawn inspiration from both Soldo and close friend, former Australia U17 and AIS teammate, Tom Fullarton, who recently debuted for the Brisbane Lions.

“I think definitely because Soldo did the transition it is a big thing (to draw inspiration from),” he said.

“I also look at the stars as well like (Brodie) Grundy with his groundwork around the ball and big Max Gawn.

“Tom Lynch as well. I think he does a great job at finding the ball and taking it at its highest point.”

Colina believes he has the capability to play a variety of positions.

“I think I will have the ability to both follow the ball in the ruck or be forward, and really provide a presence that can mark the ball,” he said.

The 21-year-old recently spent time in Melbourne training with Shane Edwards, under the watchful eye of Richmond General Manager- Football Talent, Blair Hartley, and Senior Club Advisor, Neil Balme.

“It was a really cool experience just to see how professional ‘Shedda’ was, and just to recap and see how important it is to live a professional lifestyle,” Colina said.

The Category B Rookie will next join his Richmond teammates following the conclusion of his upcoming basketball season with the University of Hawaii. The season spans from November to March.

“Right now, I’m laser-focused on my journey and studies, and following my dreams with basketball and what I am passionate in, but down the line I will take it all as it comes,” he said.

“I will come back down to the Club during my summer break which will allow me to immerse myself in an elite professional environment.”

Hartley said the Club was thrilled to sign Colina as a Category B rookie.

“We see a lot of transferrable skills in Mate and as a Club are greatly excited by what he might be able to achieve,” he said.

“Mate is already a highly-professional and diligent athlete, so we feel he is well placed to take on the challenge of becoming an AFL player.

“We look forward to having Mate at the Club again in 2021 and training as part of our program.”

https://www.afl.com.au/news/498623/the-afl-s-tallest-player-tigers-sign-213cm-basketballer-with-close-links-to-club

Offline 1965

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #10 on: September 11, 2020, 06:15:48 AM »
Who needs a nickname when you have a name like that.


Imagine 75,000 RFC members screaming out "Maaaattteee"when he takes a mark in the goal square.
Yeah we're already going to vote for him mate, you don't need to keep selling it.....

Online Andyy

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #11 on: September 11, 2020, 10:20:39 AM »
Who needs a nickname when you have a name like that.


Imagine 75,000 RFC members screaming out "Maaaattteee"when he takes a mark in the goal square.

Haha indeed.

Is it pronounced the same or is it like muh'tay or something?


EDIT:
For the record, Mate is pronounced “Mahh-TEH”.) “I felt like I fit in,” Colina told the Star-Advertiser in a recent phone interview. Jul 15, 2017

G'day Mate – Hawaii Warrior Worldwww.hawaiiwarriorworld.com

Offline Gracie

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #12 on: September 11, 2020, 11:25:48 AM »
Nick name Cobber?

Offline Diocletian

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #13 on: September 11, 2020, 03:14:43 PM »
Give him #7...Baker can have the #6 vacated by Naish... :shh
"Much of the social history of the Western world, over the past three decades, has been a history of replacing what worked with what sounded good...."

- Thomas Sowell


FJ is the only one that makes sense.

Offline 1965

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Re: Mate Colina - 213cm category B rookie [merged]
« Reply #14 on: March 13, 2021, 04:51:52 PM »
Any news on Mate Colina?
Yeah we're already going to vote for him mate, you don't need to keep selling it.....