FOXTEL has announced registrations are now open for season two of the ground- breaking sports competition series THE RECRUIT, with ex-Hawthorn recruiter Gary Buckenara leading the national search.
Produced in conjunction with the AFL, THE RECRUIT is a reality football entertainment series that follows 12 ‘Recruits’ who live and play together as a team, while at the same time competing against each other, in order to win a life-changing prize – a guaranteed place on an AFL list.
The first season kicked massive goals when it launched on FOX8 in July 2014, with the premiere episode one of the highest series launches in subscription television history. THE RECRUIT was FOX8’s most watched series last year and was Foxtel’s number one non- sports program every Wednesday night.
The successful series saw coach Michael Voss targeted by Port Adelaide to become its new midfield manager in 2015; winner Johann Wagner was drafted by Port Adelaide Power president David Koch; and the Irish miracle Padraig Lucey was recruited by Geelong.
Now the search is on for season two, with one of the most respected scouts in the country Gary Buckenara, embarking on a national tour across local and country leagues and regional Australia in search of players for a second series of the hit program.
Hawthorn team of the century member, Buckenara is a four-time premiership player who recently left the Hawks after 11 years as a recruiting manager. He was responsible for many draft wins including Jarryd Roughead, Lance Franklin, and Jordan Lewis.
THE RECRUIT is open to footballers over the age of 20 as of March 1, 2016 who have not been on an AFL list. They must not have been a registered player in the VFL, SANFL, WAFL or NEAFL competitions in 2015 and not be contracted to one of these competitions for 2016.
Those who think they could be The Recruit should head to www.fox8.tv to register their details.
THE RECRUIT is produced by McGuire Media exclusively for Foxtel. The second series will air on FOX8 in 2016.
Season one finalist and Wilston Grange QAFL player, Bradie Foster, loved his time on the show.
“I enjoyed the footy a lot, the whole experience was pretty incredible,” Foster said.
He got involved after hearing about the tryouts through his Dad.
“My Dad mentioned it to me and then I applied on my own. I didn’t really tell anyone about it until after I got the call up,” he said.
He may have just missed out on an AFL contract, but Foster’s footballing ability transformed across the show.
“I think my football moved forward in leaps and bounds. We were playing day in day out, training with Michael Voss; with the little experience I had going in I think it helped tremendously,” he said.
Foster said that anyone thinking about applying definitely should.
“Yeah I would definitely recommend it, it was a fantastic experience, but I’d tell them to do as much running before hand as they can because they will need it,” he said.
Those who think they could be The Recruit should head to www.fox8.tv to register their details.
THE RECRUIT is produced by McGuire Media exclusively for Foxtel. The second series will air on FOX8 in 2016.
