He is out to prove that Americans can make it in the AFL just as former AFL stars Ben Graham and Sav Rocca have proved they belong in the American NFL.
While Melbourne’s Andrew Bogut was the Milwaukee Bucks first Australian selection, McNamara a Milwaukee native, is Collingwood’s first American choice.
Like Bogut, McNamara has a basketball background and was playing professionally in Germany when he was first approached about playing in the AFL.
At 6’8”, he has a rare combination of size and athleticism to make plays around the ground.
His journey to the AFL is a story of determination, self belief and a ground breaker spirit.
I had a chance to sit down with the Magpies newest international recruit and met a young man determined to shape his own destiny.
How did you first learn about AFL?
"I was contacted by Digger Phelps (former Notre Dame Coach and ESPN college basketball analyst) about the possibility of recruiting an American college basketball player. Digger enquired amongst his contacts and 3 coaches recommended myself as a strong candidate.
"At the time, (August, 2008) I was playing professional basketball in Munich, Germany. We agreed to discuss the possibilities further at the end of the basketball season, in April 2009.
"Meanwhile, I began searching the Internet for all the AFL highlights I could find. I liked what I saw and became intrigued by the opportunity of becoming the first American to sign an AFL international rookie contract."
He decided to try his foot at this new found game and made an audition tape of himself demonstrating his footy skills. Then Shae researched the contact information for all AFL clubs and sent his footage to each coach in the league.
What were your thoughts when you were waiting to hear back from the clubs?
“I literally looked in the mirror and asked myself, ‘Do you believe you can do this?’ With 6 offers from European basketball teams, it was an emotional battle, trying to decide what to do about my basketball career.
"It wasn’t an easy decision, but with the support of family and friends, I eventually decided, I’m going to go after this. I decided to do something special for myself, for my country and bring this great game to America."
Collingwood was first to reply with interest and while at home in Milwaukee for the 4th of July holiday McNamara received a call that Collingwood head trainer, David Buttifant was in Las Vegas and he needed to get there for an interview and a trial training session. As a result of that workout, Collingwood extended a 14-day trial to McNamara to come to Melbourne.
What happened during your 14-day trial?
“The Collingwood trial started out as 2 weeks in which, they tried breaking me down, putting me through fire. I thought what did I get myself into? But then I quickly realized, these are the drills I’ve done my whole life, just a different ball. After that, it was game on and it has been game on ever since.”
Besides basketball, what other sports have you played?
"I’ve played pretty much every other sport besides cricket and rugby. I’ve played competitive soccer, (American) football, baseball, tennis and an All-American high jumper in track and field."
What attracted you to footy?
"While I was growing up, soccer was my passion. My dream was to represent my country at the World Cup. Basketball didn’t really enter my world till I was 11, but soccer was still my passion till I was 15.
"When I discovered footy it was the ball movement and control that drew me to the game. No set plays. Reverse psychology, make opponents think you are going to do one thing, but do something completely different, reminded me a lot of soccer.
"I saw the toughness of (American) football, the jumping and catching like a wide receiver, the basketball vision, defense and the footwork. It’s all accumulated into one and I absolutely fell in love with the game and knew I could do well."
How did you get the idea to send an audition tape to all the AFL clubs?
"It sounds very American, but it’s the land of opportunity and I believe in creating your own destiny. I’m going to go after this, I believe in myself. I knew it would be a shame if I didn’t do this for myself, for the game.
"I didn’t want to be a woulda, coulda, shoulda. It was all on me and after the Swans told me, we don’t know yet. As a competitor I used that as motivation, I used that to fuel me to train even harder. I’m here now and know I can do this."
What made you decide you wanted to give up basketball and pursue an AFL career?
"By doing this I felt I had a real opportunity to do something special and unique that had not been done before. The prestige, being the first representing my country. Plus, I feel I can help bring the game to America or at least enhance the awareness of this incredible sport and the talented athletes that play it."
What are your AFL goals?
"Well Collingwood brought me here to play in the ruck so that’s where I’m going to begin my focus, but eventually I want to move up the ground and play full forward. However, if the team needs me down back, I’m willing to play that role; whatever it takes to help the club achieve our ultimate goal of a premiership."
How are your skills developing?
"Well first I had to break my body down from basketball shape to a footy player’s body. So far, I feel good about my development, the pieces are coming together. After seeing what the other ruckmen in the league are capable of, I feel I can compete."
How has your basketball background helped you adapt to footy?
"Positioning for a mark is very similar to posting up in basketball. Also vision and use of the ball (in tight space) are areas I feel I have excelled as a result of my basketball background."
What has been your biggest challenge in learning the game?
"Reading the flight of the ball. I’ve never played a game with such an unpredictable ball."
What has your experience at Collingwood been like, so far?
"Great support, a club and fans that have embraced and encouraged me from day one. I’ve been surprised by the maturity of some of the younger players. There is a sense of urgency for immediate success."
What is your strongest attribute that you have to offer Collingwood?
"My athletic ability, competitive spirit and appetite for success. When I put my mind to something I strive to be the best."
What do you want American fans to understand about the AFL?
"The beauty of the game, it is a hard hitting game, but there is a tremendous amount of skill required. Every player on the ground has to be able to run, kick, jump, handball and defend. In baseball, it takes hand-eye coordination, but this game requires hand-eye-foot coordination. These are some of the finest athletes in the world!"
Collingwood and American AFL fans will be able to cheer on McNamara beginning this week. He will be in jumper number 50 as he represents the future of footy in the 50 states of America.
