Voss, Blues hand Fantasia an AFL career lifeline

Orazio Fantasia has reunited with Michael Voss at Carlton in a bid to revive his injury-plagued AFL career.
The 28-year-old small forward joined the Blues as a delisted free agent on a two-year contract.
He will arrive at Ikon Park for Voss’ third year after the duo spent the 2021 season together at Port Adelaide, where Voss is assistant coach.
Fantasia played 15 games for the Power that year, but has since made just four appearances.
In his prime, the former Essendon speedster was one of the most dangerous small forwards in the competition.
He scored 39 goals for the Bombers in 2017, before injuries hampered his progress.
Fantasia has been courted by GWS in recent weeks but has chosen to join Carlton’s squad of talented small forwards alongside Jesse Motlop, Jack Martin, Matt Owies, Matthew Cottrell and Lachie Fogarty.
Carlton list boss Nick Austin said Fantasia will help improve performances by adding competition for places in the Blues’ senior team.
“Orazio is a quality AFL footballer,” Austin said in a club statement.
“He will bring his immense skills to our environment and will have everything at his fingertips to maximize this ability.
” Fantasia has scored 141 career goals but has been stuck in 99 AFL appearances since round three last season.
“When we met Orazio during the season, one thing that was clear was his desire to return to senior football,” Austin said.
“We and Orazio see the power he can bring to our strikers.
“In addition to the acquisition of Elijah Hollands, we have added a number of level-ready talents The AFL will be ready on day one of pre-season.
promote high-level selection.

Carlton have secured dynamic forward Orazio Fantasia.

Fantasia arrives at IKON Park as a de-listed free agent, adding valuable experience to the Blues’ small forward depth.

The 28-year-old reunites with Senior Coach Michael Voss, with the pair completing the 2021 season together at Port Adelaide while Voss was a senior assistant, a season in which Fantasia booted 28 goals in 15 games.

Fantasia has elite forward craft when in full flight, as evidence by the fact he has kicked more than 20 goals in five of his last eight seasons.

He also ranks above average among small forwards for disposals, tackles (2.8) and goals (1.4) per game.

Fantasia’s elite running ability also allows him to work high up the ground, making him a dual threat to the Blues’ front half.

“We’ve had a clear focus this off-season to bring in versatile players who will add to our depth, push for senior selection and compete for multiple roles in the side,” Head of List Management Nick Austin said.

“We know that strong competition for spots during the week at training, will be key to driving our performance each weekend.

“Orazio is a quality AFL footballer, he’ll bring his extensive skillset into our environment and will have everything at his disposal to maximise that ability.

“When we sat down with Orazio during the off-season, one thing that was clear was his hunger to get back to senior football. Both we and Orazio see the strength he can bring to our front half.

“Along with the acquisition of Elijah Hollands, we have added ready-made, AFL-level talent who will hit day one of pre-season ready to push for senior selection.