After being labelled a cricket prodigy throughout his youth, Carey was offered an AFL contract in Greater Western Sydney’s inaugural year competing in the U18 TAC Cup - where he was named best and fairest - before returning home to pursue a career with the Redbacks.
“Growing up it was always footy in the winter and cricket in the summer - I love both sports and have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to play at the GWS Giants,” the 25-year old said.
“Moving away from home at the age of 18 and living in Western Sydney was a bit of an eye opener for me but I wouldn’t change anything having now come home and reached a Sheffield Shield final.”
After deciding to return to the sport where it all started, Alex spent a few years wondering if it was truly to be, before signing a rookie contract for the Redbacks for the 2013-14 season and now firming himself as a valuable asset for the Redbacks.
He scored a half-century in the Shield final loss to the Victorian Bushrangers, but is adamant that sustained focus and discipline will take his game, and his team, to the next level.
Hoping @Alex_Carey617's perfect form drives a ton or two for the Redbacks as they sweated it out in the gym today. pic.twitter.com/n8GNwF66o1
%E2%80%94 West End Redbacks (@WestEndRedbacks) July 13, 2016
“We made the finals in all three competitions in the Sheffield Shield and Matador Cup, and the BBL Semi-Final with the Strikers, and now that we’ve had a taste of it we’re really hungry to go one step further and that starts with a good pre-season to cement my spot in the side,” he said.
“We’ve also got seven players heading off with the Australian A team and the experience they’ll be bringing back will ensure that we’re well placed for this year.”
Carey also bounces off Physical Performance Manager and former AFL footballer Stephen Schwerdt, who says that he has been a benchmark throughout pre-season.
“He’s been terrific and a good example for his teammates, and he always pushes the levels when he’s at training,” Schwerdt said.
“While his AFL experience is a part of the level of training he has brought to the club, his maturity has been paramount and he understands what is needed as a professional athlete and a leader.”
And now the sky’s the limit for Carey, who has aspirations to be selected for the national team and the Adelaide Strikers.
“I think at 25, I want to put myself up for selection for the national team, as is every cricketer’s dream, and develop some big hitting in the pre-season to earn a spot in the Strikers’ squad.
“But it all starts here with my work at the Redbacks and the upcoming season.”