The Examiner's football writer, ALEX FAIR, catches up on the sporting progress of the remarkable Grima family, of Evandale.
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WITH the Gold Coast and Western Sydney on the horizon, now more than ever focus has been on players running around in state competitions.
The likes of Michael Barlow at Fremantle, James Podsiadly at Geelong and Tasmania's Brodie Moles at the Western Bulldogs have proven that players can have an impact coming into the competition via the non- traditional route.
And if bloodlines are anything to go by, there are a couple who are on the books at Glenelg in the SANFL that could possibly get a chance.
Todd and Alex Grima, brothers of North Melbourne's mature-age recruit Nathan, are both running around for the South Australian Tigers and their AFL-listed sibling felt that both could be given another crack at the top level.
"I'm not sure if they harbour any ambitions to get back into the AFL, but I know when I went over and played in the SANFL it was more about having a good time and developing yourself, but if an opportunity knocked you'd take it no doubt," Grima said in the lead-up to Sunday's Anzac Day clash with Hawthorn.
But without wanting to play favourites, the Evandale defender felt there would be more chance of 20-year-old Alex, who recently made his senior debut for Glenelg, re- entering the AFL arena than 23-year-old Todd.
"I think Todd is moving on to the next phase of his life with his work, but Alex is still only 20 so if he can improve and show something he'd love to, I have no doubt," Grima said.
"Alex is just going to have to play some consistent footy and keep a spot in the seniors, and you never know what could happen then.
"It's a good time for blokes that are 18-23 that didn't get the opportunity that if you persist you can make it."
Both Todd and Alex have spent time on AFL rookie lists.
Todd spent two years at Geelong, while Alex was on Hawthorn's list in 2008.
The other sporting member of the Grima clan is older sister, Australian basketball star Hollie.
The 129-game Opals stalwart has been plying her trade in the Czech Republic with Frisco Sika Brno, and Nathan said his sister was looking forward to her imminent return to Australia.
"Hollie has been overseas for the last six or seven months and she gets back in the next couple of weeks," he said.
"I'm not sure whether she will get to the (Hawthorn) game or not, but I spoke to her the other night and she said she's looking forward to getting back and watching some football."
But that does not mean there won't be plenty of Grima support in the grandstands on Sunday, with parents Christine and Monty set to be at full voice.
"Mum and Dad get across to most of my games, but the fact they only have to drive 10 minutes or so up the road for this one, they're pretty excited about that," he said.
"And no doubt they'll drag a few friends with them to the game, so it should be great."