It’s a fresh start for Cale Morton. The former Melbourne recruit is only 25 years old and has a lot of football left in the tank, and this year will be pulling on the boots for Coburg as he becomes the Lions’ first former AFL footballer with senior game experience in its current stand-alone era.
“I wanted to be playing in the best competition at state level and Coburg has presented the best opportunity for me to achieve that.”
Fast Facts:
- Drafted with Pick four in the 2007 National Draft
- 73 games, 33 goals for Melbourne
- Rising Star Nominee in 2008 (Round 20)
- Melbourne’s Best First Year player (2008)
- 3 games, 1 goal for West Coast
- Averaged 23 disposals a game for Perth in 2014
Morton began his career at Hale School in Western Australia and represented his home state, where he went on to win the Larke Medal, which is awarded to the best player at the under-18 National Championships.
A 15.2 beep test at the Draft combine all but secured prospects of a high draft position for Morton and it would be Melbourne who would select him with pick four in the 2007 National Draft.
“There’s really no way to describe when your name gets called out.” Morton recalled.
He impressed the Demons’ coaching staff right from the start and awarded him a Round 1 debut against Hawthorn.
“I got told on the Wednesday before, and I think I didn’t stop smiling until the game.”
He would play 19 games in his first year, earning a rising star nomination in Round 20 against West Coast after gathering 30 possessions and kicking a goal, and also winning the Best First Year player award for the Demons.
He took his game to another level in his second season, averaging 22 disposals a game and cementing himself in the Melbourne 22.
Another strong season in 2010 following an interrupted pre-season had Morton being touted as one of the best young players in the competition.
This was until a finger injury halted his 2011 pre-season forcing him to omit himself from selection until Round 3, and battled consistency all year between Melbourne and Casey and at the end of 2012 was traded back home to Perth to play with the Eagles.
In just the one season at Subiaco Oval, Morton spent most of his time at the Eagles’ WAFL affiliate East Perth, and played just the 3 games for West Coast and was delisted at the end of the season.
Morton spent last year in the WAFL with Perth. It was a solid return to form for Cale, averaging 23 disposals before a thumb injury ended his season midway through the year.
“It was a tough year last year. We struggled a bit for form and then I injured my thumb.”
One motive for Morton’s arrival is senior coach Peter German, someone who he had a amicable relationship with back in Perth.
“We had a great relationship in the West, and I look forward to working with him this year” he said.
After attending his first training session tonight, Morton stated he is ready for the challenge of VFL football and is delighted to be down at the Lions’ Den.
“Coburg being stand-alone was a certainly a factor and I’m looking forward to help leading the younger players, playing high football and staying injury free.”
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