From Sudan with footy love

By Gavin Staindl
THE ROC Football Club has found its newest recruit.
Ever since arriving in Pakenham from Sudan a few years ago, Lado Alphonse has been captured by the game played with an oval-shaped ball.
And, after experiencing his first taste of live footy, Alphonse says he is a Roo through and through.
Collingwood is Lado’s AFL team, but the 17-year-old had never witnessed a live match, so a few friends invited him to Saturday’s local derby between Pakenham and ROC, where he was blown away by the atmosphere.
“It was great,” Lado said. “I loved being around it. The crowd, the game, the people, it was awesome.
“I felt like I was actually a part of the game. I will be going to as many games as I can afford to go to … It is a great sport.”
Lado was particularly impressed with the crowd involvement and by the end of the three matches he was timing his “holding the ball” cries to match the ROC faithful.
The 191cm (6ft 3in) youngster was even poached by the ROC reserves coach who said the newbie would fit nicely into his team.
“I am pretty co-ordinated and tall enough to get some marks, but I need to learn how to kick and bounce the ball,” Lado said. “If I can fix that, then I am pretty much good for it (playing).”