IT IS not uncommon for Australian athletes to forge careers in the NFL. Former AFL players Saverio Rocca and Ben Graham played for a host of NFL teams as punters, with the latter lining up in a losing Superbowl for the Arizona Cardinals.

Brad Wing entered the records books in 2014 as the first Australian to throw for points in the NFL, throwing a two-point conversion for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In the last two months, Jarryd Hayne has owned the headlines as the former NRL star takes the NFL by storm.

As Australians move up the ranks of the NFL system, it begs the question - Who from the AFL would fit the mould?

It may come as no surprise that Nick Riewoldt heads the list of AFL players who would not look out of place in the American game.

Despite the adopted American’s obvious connections to the states and his beloved Houston Texans, his combination of size, power and athleticism put him in the frame to play the tight end position, similar to that of three-time pro bowler Jimmy Graham.

Graham, like Riewoldt, is highly regarded among the NFL as one of the competition’s greatest athletes, his determination a trademark of his game.

Riewoldt, like Graham, knows how to use his body to block opponents and protect space, but also has the hands and agility to catch the ball in contested situations (or in the slot).

While Riewoldt may not have the same college basketball background as Graham, his football smarts and leadership qualities offer some added flexibility. Some may argue that the St Kilda skipper is better suited to playing a pocket quarterback role in the construct of Andrew Luck of the Indianapolis Colts.

Both players have almost identical builds, 193cm and over 95kg.

Luck, who is a natural born leader, has become one of the competition’s best players since inheriting the QB role held by Peyton Manning for over a decade. Luck’s trademarks are his long arms and pinpoint accuracy, hitting receivers anywhere on the field, but the 2014 touchdown pass leader is also known for his ability to scramble and take the game on.

Much like St Kilda of the early 2000s, the Colts are a young side with a sprinkling of star veterans and Andrew Luck is their up and coming captain.                       

While any ideas of Riewoldt playing NFL are merely a pipedream (at best), there’s no doubt that the 32-year-old has imagined himself walking out onto NRG Stadium along side Arian Foster and J.J Watt.

Maybe NFL is the path for James Riewoldt?