212cm basketball and football talent Alex Condon has reportedly named Collingwood as his preferred club AFL for a potential category B rookie switch.
A number of AFL clubs, including Sydney and Geelong, had shown past interest in him, with Condon building a strong case for the draft after featuring for Western Australia in the under-18 championships and for Claremont in the WAFL. Condon was also scouted when he played for Australia in the under-20 basketball junior championships.
But while he was projected to be a potential early first-round pick at last year's draft, Condon chose to dedicate his size and athleticism to basketball, accepting a scholarship with the University of Florida.
According to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey, Condon has listed the Magpies as a preferred destination should his pathway in basketball soon come to an end.
Under the category B rookie rules, Condon's decision would allow him to be listed by the Magpies once his three-year stint not playing football at any level has passed, falling midway through 2024.
This rule allows clubs to pay players outside of the salary cap until they start playing games at the top level. Collingwood coach Craig McRae's influence in Mason Cox's development also played a role in Condon's decision. Cox had been a successful category B rookie for the Magpies, helping them reach a grand final in 2018 with an iconic preliminary performance against Richmond.
Condon has acknowledged that he may return to football in the future, as choosing basketball allows him to explore the international opportunities the sport offers.
He told 10 News Perth earlier this year that choosing "basketball is a no-brainer because you can always go back to footy."
"There (aren't) many footy players that can go back to basketball," he said.
"Obviously basketball is an international sport, it takes you around the world."
While West Coast and Hawthorn were also in the mix to acquire the young talent, it is Condon's unique arrangement with Collingwood that could see him switch from basketball to football should his pursuit of an NBA career fall short.
For now, however, the 18-year-old is focused on his basketball career and will continue to play for the University of Florida in the US.