ST KILDA is leading the race to sign Category B rookie Geremy McKay after the talented basketballer trained with its VFL team last week.
McKay is the grandson of former Saints defender Tom McKay, who played 23 games for the club between 1959-1964.
The 22-year-old declared his interest in becoming an AFL player after calling Melbourne radio station Triple M during a broadcast last month.
McKay has represented both the Under-18s and Under-19s Australian basketball teams and played alongside names now renowned in the AFL and NBA, including Christian Petracca (Melbourne) and Ben Simmons (No.1 NBA draft pick – Philadelphia 76ers).
Having spent the past four years playing college basketball at the highest level in California and Washington, McKay now holds serious ambitions to secure an AFL contract via the Category B route.
"I trained (at Sandringham) twice and had a blast getting back into footy in really wet conditions," McKay told afl.com.au.
"I couldn’t have asked for more from the Saints, they gave me some really honest feedback."
Guided by former Saints veterans Matt Maguire and Aaron Hamill, McKay was pulled away from the main group to be tested on his ball skills and agility.
"They got me to do a lot of high marking and ground ball drills [to test me] above the head and below the knees," McKay said.
Standing at 200cm and 104kg, McKay holds a similar frame – and college background – to that of Collingwood's American recruit Mason Cox.
Cox has been a revelation for the Magpies this season, displaying the attributes needed to become a star by booting five goals against Melbourne and winning the Neale Daniher trophy for best on ground in the Queen’s Birthday clash.
McKay claims he recorded a running vertical jump of 87cm – a score which would place him inside the top-10 performers at the 2017 NAB AFL Draft Combine.
But McKay, as honest as he is confident, recognises there are areas of his game which need improvement.
"My hands were quick (in the handball drills), but my kicking definitely needs work," he said.
Having last played competitive football for De La Salle in 2011, McKay has gained inspiration after seeing Corey Maynard and Joel Smith drafted to Melbourne as Category B rookies.
McKay slam dunks for Australia. Picture: supplied
But the basketballer-cum-footballer shed light on the moment that reignited his passion for the sport he's loved since birth.
"I have always loved footy," McKay said.
"One of my mates from Canada is a mad Essendon supporter.
"He came down to visit me and we were watching [the] Anzac Day (match between Essendon and Collingwood) and all these memories flooded back.
"I got goose bumps."
It was at that moment McKay knew, going forward, he didn't want to have any regrets.
"The 'what if' kicked in after Anzac Day," he said.
"All I can do is say I've 'given it a red-hot crack'.
"There's always been the 'what if', now I'll know the 'what'.
"Whether it works or it doesn't … for me, it doesn't matter.".
