The Rocky-esque Shepparton United export has been beaten down time and time again through injury, but refuses to give up as he prepares for another season at IKON Park – one that could potentially be his breakout.
After eyeballing the 20-year-old for some time now, Carlton reserves coach Daniel O’Keefe was eager to see what Maher could produce in an uninterrupted campaign.
“Zavier is someone who has great potential, and we were really happy with what he brought to the table this year; it’s just a shame we didn’t get to see more of him given the season was called off just as he made his debut,” O’Keefe told carltonfc.com.au
“At such a young age we expect his game to come along nicely and continue to develop within our system, especially with an AFL pre-season under his belt 12 months ago.
“With only nine games last season, it was unfortunate that he didn’t get many looks into the side, but what we loved was what Zavier showed at training and his commitment to his craft — we can’t wait to see what he can do in 2022.”
Alongside Maher, fellow United talent Zane Barzen was among the list of 11 names to have re-signed for Carlton VFL.
- In other VFL-related news, Werribee’s affinity for Goulburn Valley talent has once again shone through with the re-signings of Tom Boyd and Ariek Lual.
Boyd – who turned out on five occasions for Shepparton in 2021 – will serve under Michael Barlow and gained praised from Werribee football manager Mark Micallef.
“Tom has got raw talent, he’s a good size and has great athleticism,” he said.
“He played twice for us this season and displayed some nice attributes, he can intercept the ball really well and generally makes good decisions by foot.
"We see him playing as a hybrid defender but with his versatility he can go forward or even play on a wing.
“Hopefully Tom can have a massive preseason to ready himself to release that potential.”
Seymour’s Lual was another Micallef was keen to mould coming into next year.
“Ariek made his debut for Werribee this season and is another with raw athleticism, but his ability to make quality decisions with ball in hand is also a feature of his game,” he said.
"We’re continually working with Ariek on untapping his potential and we probably see his best position being in defence.
“However, he’s got the ability to play a multitude of positions for us going forward so it’s great to have Ariek recommit.”
- And closer to home, Rochester has picked up Heathcote District Football League rising star winner Mitch Cricelli from Elmore.
His sole game in Tigers colours will be burned into the minds of those who watched him, with Cricelli booting nine majors in an under-18 Goulburn Valley League outing last year.
