SEAN Kweifio-Okai doesn't fit the "typical" mould of most category B rookie hopefuls.

He's not a 200cm-plus American ruck prospect, or a wiry Irishman who can run all day.

But the Melbourne native is an explosive package of speed and power.

Kweifio-Okai, a former US college athlete, stands 190cm tall, tips the scales just under 100kg and can run like the wind, clocking a personal-best 110m hurdles time of 14.43 seconds (the Australian record is 13.29).

In short, the 25-year-old has the raw materials that recruiters might just be willing to take a punt on.

"That's what a lot of people are saying to me is that I should go and give it a crack," Kweifio-Okai told AFL.com.au.

"If they're looking for athletes, then I've got that power background."

Kweifio-Okai, whose father is from Ghana, has watched more and more trailblazers succeed on the path he hopes to tread.

Geelong's reigning best and fairest Mark Blicavs is the poster boy after the former steeplechaser gave up his Olympic dream, while Mason Cox's stunning emergence at Collingwood has changed the landscape for American imports.

"I saw Mason Cox, Jason Holmes and Eric Wallace doing the same sort of thing (as I want to)," Kweifio-Okai said.

"I watched Hugh Greenwood play basketball in New Mexico, and I found out that he came back here to play basketball and is with Adelaide (Crows) now.

"So there's quite a few guys who have paved the way where I thought this is a good opportunity now."

Unlike international imports trying to learn a new game, Kweifio-Okai has some Australian Rules experience from playing high school football at CBC St Kilda.

Plus, he's used to a professional environment, having run track and field for two years at Greenville College, Illinois.

"I started hurdling all the way through high school and started taking it more seriously towards the end of year 11 and made a few state teams," he said.

"A couple of my friends were going to college for basketball so I figured I'd have a try for athletics.

"I got offered quite a few scholarships, picked a school that fit best with what I was trying to do and went over.

"The level of competitiveness there is through the roof, the coaches are great and the facilities are unreal."

Sean Kweifio-Okai working hard in training. Picture: AFL Media
  

After returning to Australia two years ago, Kweifio-Okai ran in the Oceania Regional Championships and won silver medals in the 110m hurdles and 4x100m.

But replicating the elite college environment at home was difficult, and his enthusiasm for the individual sport waned.

"I couldn't find where I needed to be mentally and physically, so I decided to change it up," he said.

"I'm finished with hurdles. I've had my time in individual sport.

"All my mates here are playing footy so I thought I'd switch over and give it a crack.

"I was playing ruck in high school because I could jump and I was pretty tall, but I think I'll probably end up in the backline somewhere."

But there's a major hurdle, pardon the pun, blocking his AFL ambitions.

Kweifio-Okai has to learn playing football without actually playing football.

To be eligible for the category B rookie list, which sits outside clubs' salary cap and normal rookie list, Kweifio-Okai must not have been registered in any Australian Rules football competition for three years.

Which is why he's joined forces with the Australian Rules Football College – run by Hawthorn premiership stars Michael Osborne and Brad Sewell.

Based on a US college model, the ARFC offers football development, strength and conditioning programs and a tertiary education at the one facility in North Melbourne.

"Even in the short amount of time I've been there Ozzie's been fixing small aspects of my kicking and my foot placement. It's made a huge difference and given me a lot of confidence," Kweifio-Okai said.

"If I'm lacking in a certain area with my skills it might be because of a strength issue I have somewhere else, and we can work on that same thing in the gym that day.

"I feel like I can exploit my attributes now and it's just a good environment – it's more like a college atmosphere."


After undertaking intensive one-on-one work with Osborne, Kweifio-Okai is aiming to get recruiters' attention by sending footage to clubs and, hopefully, earning a trial.

"Ideally I'd like to be in the system by the end of this year and get it going," he said.

It won't be easy, but Osborne has been impressed by Kweifio-Okai's single-minded commitment to get better.

"His skills are pretty good," Osborne said.

"It's just putting it into competition and pressure and understanding all the intricacies around the rules and strategies that he needs to work on.

"He's obviously pretty powerful and explosive with his running and jumping.

"He's professional, committed and competitive – so he's got the drive.

"If he was on an AFL list he'd do really well, I think."

Sean Kweifio-Okai and former Hawk Michael Osborne. Picture: AFL Media