Andrew Carrazzo

Career: 2004-
Debut: Round 21, 2004 vs Melbourne
Carlton Player No. 1 083
Games: 116*
Goals: 34*
Guernsey No. 44
Height: 187cm
Weight: 85kg
DOB: 15 December, 1983
John Nicholls Medal: 2007


Sometimes it just takes a little while for players to get their opportunity and make their mark in Aussie Rules. Andrew Carrazzo, holder of the #44 guernsey, had to wait a few years as a Rookie for Geelong (2 years) before being Rookied by Carlton, and then being promoted late in 2004 before getting his chance.

Happily for Carlton fans and the Carrazzo family, all Carlton fans, Andrew took the opportunity given to him in Rounds 21 and 22 of the 2004 season to become an immediate member of our best 22. A defensive midfielder or back pocket with a knack for finding the ball, Carrazzo's averaged 18 possessions in his first two games and secured listed status after 3 years as a rookie.

But it was 2005 where Carrazzo became a key player on our list. Carlton's list management in the early 21st century could be a whole book in itself, but in 2004-2005 the Blues were short of fast defender types and Carrazzo became required all over the ground. From full back on Hawk sharpshooter Mark Williams, to back pocket on streaky forwards Jeff Farmer, to defensive midfielder, Carrazzo played 20 of 22 games in 2005, and only missed two due to a calf tear.

A further 19 games in 2006 from Carrazzo saw him cement a place in our team, but this time mainly as a defensive forward. In many games, he would be asked to mind a defensive runner from the opposition, from Guerra at the Hawks and Kenneally for the Swans. He would also be given tagging jobs in the middle, including a strong win against Travis Johnstone in Round 1 which was seen as pivotal to the end outcome. Despite all the tagging, Carrazzo proved himself to be something of a ball magnet with just under 20 possessions a game, fifth at the club. Although sometimes the kicking let him down, Carrazzo's knack of finding the ball was becoming of great use for Carlton.

Carrazzo would become an even more important player for the Blues in 2007, especially in the absence of Nick Stevens. Although occasionally a go-to man to stop an opposing midfielder or forward, Carrazzo would enjoy a number of offensive midfield roles where his ball-winning skills would come to the fore. In Round 7, Andrew racked up a career-high 34 disposals against arch-rivals Collingwood, followed by a Carlton-high 28 disposals in Round 8. A week later, he would bring up his 50th game of AFL football - in his 6th year on an AFL list, but also within great time after his debut late in 2004. The records kept on coming for Carrazzo who would win 37 stats and 10 tackles in Round 10 to be BOG for the Blues in our stunning victory over the Bulldogs. He managed to better this in Round 17 when he picked up a massive 38 disposals against St Kilda. He ended up 5th in the AFL for disposals at an average of just under 26 per game and second at Carlton, narrowly behind Heath Scotland. He was rewarded for a stellar 2007 season when he was crowned the club Best and Fairest winner at season's end.

With the addition of Chris Judd and the return of Nick Stevens, Carrazzo was forced to play more defensive roles in 2008, yet he still manages to lead the Blues for disposals this year. In the Round 7 victory over West Coast, Carrazzo collected a career-high 42 disposals at 83% efficiency. In the Round 10 loss to Geelong, he had 29 disposals, 8 contested possessions and 5 clearances. In the Round 14 win over Richmond; he had 29 disposals, 12 contested possessions and 5 rebound 50s but more importantly managed to keep the dangerous Nathan Brown goalless. In the Round 13 loss to Essendon; he had 27 disposals, 2 goals, 6 inside 50s and a goal assist. In the Round 17 win over the 2nd-placed Western Bulldogs, Carrazzo had 29 disposals, 10 contested possessions and 5 inside 50s. He continued his form in the following week's loss to Adelaide when he had 33 disposals at 88% efficiency, including 10 contested possessions. The Round 19 victory over Port Adelaide was no different for Carrazzo, who managed to gather 34 disposals at 84% efficiency.

Carrazzo became probably the first best and fairest winner since Brett Ratten and Scott Camporeale in the year 2000 to have a good following year. In breaking this little 'curse', Andrew played a more defensive role throughout the season yet still averaged the most disposals at the club and his fine year was rewarded when he came 4th in the club best and fairest. His great work around the club was also acknowledged when he was named Best Clubman.

To top off a great couple of seasons, Carrazzo put pen to paper on August 12th 2009 to ensure that he will play under the Navy Blue untill 2011 (as if there was any doubt). He began 2010 with a bang, either as a ball winner or defensive midfielder - his Round 7 smothering of Nick Dal Santo in our win over the Saints really sticks in the mind.

Carrazzo was recruited by Geelong from the TAC Cup team, the Oakleigh Chargers. Previous to that, he played for East Burwood and Knox Eagles.

Milestones

50th game: Round 9, 2007 vs Adelaide
100th game: Round 1, 2010 vs Richmond

Career Highlights

2005 9th Best and Fairest
2005 Pre-Season Premiership Player
2007 Pre-Season Premiership Player
2007 John Nicholls Medal
2008 Leadership Group
2008 Best Clubman
2008 4th Best and Fairest

Links

Articles: The BIG Numbers

Blueseum: Summary of playing statistics for Andrew Carrazzo | Career Breakdown | The Rookies | Carrazzo's Blueseum Image Gallery

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