Singing the praises of the Carusos
Chris Walker | September 15, 2007 | The Age
AT COBURG City Oval last night, there was a familiar scene. Having finished training, Natale Caruso and his younger brother Fortunato could be found handballing and kicking stab passes to each other, honing their already fine skills. Mick, their father, patiently waited in the club rooms, ready to serve the Coburg Tigers players their Friday night pasta.
Tomorrow, Nat and Fort will stand side by side for only the 11th time in a match when Coburg takes on Williamstown in the VFL first preliminary final.
"They are the soul of our club," said coach Andy Collins of the young brothers from Fawkner. "It's the way they train. You could not ask for two more professional guys and they have had outstanding seasons. They're the energy behind our success so far this year."
Both joined Coburg from the TAC Cup competition having played for the Calder Cannons.
In his fourth season in the VFL, Nat has already won two best-and-fairest awards with Coburg reserves. He has now cemented his place in the seniors after an outstanding season across the half-forward line.
Fortunato won the Morrish Medal — awarded to the TAC Cup's best-and-fairest player — in 2005 and 2006, becoming only the second player, along with Port Adelaide's David Rodan, to win the medal twice.
He was crushed when his name was not called in the 2006 AFL national draft. "I was very disappointed when I wasn't drafted but I firmly believe if you continue to work hard you will make your own opportunities," said Fort.
Despite his obvious ability and fierce work ethic, the 19-year-old stands 172 centimetres in a game that increasingly favours raw athletes with generous dimensions. Nonetheless, Collins believes the slight midfielder deserves an opportunity.
"There is a perception that you have to be tall to play AFL football but there are people like (Ben) McGlynn, (David) Rodan and, of course, Nathan Foley all making an impact at the highest level," Collins said.
With Fort having been overlooked by AFL recruiters, a number of VFL clubs worked to snare his services. But, playing alongside his brother was the only option. "It gives me confidence playing beside him, and he has helped show me the ropes," he said.
Quiet and understated by nature, these brothers share a wonderful bond. Earlier this season, Fort was set to be dropped by Coburg coaching staff to make way for Richmond omissions. As part of the leadership group, Nat told Collins he would stand down and play in the reserves so his brother could retain his spot in the seniors.
Fort is equally protective of his big brother. "You wouldn't want to start a blue with Nat on the footy field because young Fort wouldn't be far behind you," said Collins.
Said Fort: "We are very close, I think, and on the field we know what each other are doing. It probably comes from all the footy in the backyard."
It is one of the beauties of the VFL competition that the Caruso brothers are able to play side by side in the biggest match of their young careers.
For the brothers, tomorrow's opportunity is a dream come true.
TODAY
Geelong v North Ballarat, 1.10pm at TEAC Oval
TOMORROW
Williamstown v Coburg Tigers, 1.10pm at TEAC Oval
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/singing-the-praises-of-the-carusos/2007/09/14/1189276988131.html
