SUPER-BOOT Scott Crough is chasing a dream.The former Bungaree footballer and 2001 Central Highlands senior league best and fairest is currently in the United States hunting a contract with an NFL franchise.The ex-Demons ruckman, who moved to Queensland in 2007, has decided to follow a growing number of Australian Rules players into a career in American Football.Crough, 31, plans to use his foot skills to secure a contract as a punter.“Ever since I was a kid, people have always commented on the long kick I have,” Crough told The Courier from the US.“I have heard many stories about my dad, Leo, being a big kick – he taught me how to kick so I think that’s where I got it from.“Punting is not just about distance, it is about hang time as well, so you have to have the power in your leg to get both.”After reading an article on AFL footballer-turned-punter Chris Bryan, Crough decided it was time to try his luck.“After seeing the article about Chris Bryan getting signed through Prokick Australia last year, I contacted (coach) Nathan Chapman for a tryout and started punting training with him mid-2010,” he said.However, Crough’s short-term plans have been disrupted by the ongoing labor disputes in the NFL.Team owners have locked out players while negotiations continue.This lockout has been imposed since March this year, and as a result, teams are not able to organise trials or talk to players.“My coach has told me there are a few teams that have seen my film and are interested, but that is all I know at this stage. Currently, there are labour disputes in the NFL and team owners have locked out players while negotiations continue,” Crough said.“I arrived in the USA at the end of May and spent one month training and attending kicking and punting camps in New Orleans and Orlando.“For the last month, I have been based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, training with Bryan and Josh Bartel and waiting for the lockout to end so I can attend workouts with interested teams.”Crough said landing an NFL contract would be life-changing for him and his fiancee Denae.“Obviously, it would be amazing to get an NFL contract, especially being a country footballer who has never played professional AFL,” he said.“My short-term goals are to get signed to an NFL team, get through the pre-season competition, perform well and make it on to the regular roster.“It’s a cut-throat business and every day you are competing for your spot. Long-term, my goals are to establish myself as a competitive punter in the NFL, as well as keep learning and improving my skills.”Chapman, a former AFL player with Brisbane and Hawthorn, who spent time with the Green Bay Packers as a punter in 2004, established Prokick Australia to improve the pathway for Australians looking to enter the sport overseas.Chapman was confident Crough would be offered a contract when the lockout restrictions are eventually lifted. “Scott has a massive kick and I believe he will be picked up,” he said.Chapman said Crough showed natural power as a punter, and had progressed well.“We think after the lockout finishes that he will be thrust into the professional environment of the NFL,” he said. “I think in a week or two you may just see his name in the headlines again.”Click here for more videos of Scott Crough