It's no secret that Carlton's supporter base extends far beyond Australia's borders and American Christopher Lyke is a prime example of a passionate international Blues fan. 

The Texan-based sports journalist says he first came across AFL after watching the odd game on sports channel ESPN. 

However, it wasn't until Lyke witnessed a particular match one September that his love for the game was truly realised. 

"It was the AFL Grand Final that really got me hooked,” Lyke said. 

"I would watch all the games whenever they were televised. Now I get to view it every week thanks to the AFL's international streaming package."

Considering the vast amounts of spectator sports available to American viewers, what was it about AFL football that took his fancy?

"There are many things that I enjoy about the game – it’s a sport that can really test your stamina and accuracy athletically,” Lyke said. 

"You really have to work as a team in order to succeed and game plans can and will change on the fly – which happens faster and more unexpectedly than you would see in most other sports."

But why Carlton?

Lyke maintains the more AFL he watched, the more he noticed the skills of Carlton's very own Lachie Henderson. 

The Texan got in touch with the Blues big-man and soon they began developing a friendship. 

"We first began communicating via Twitter and then through the traditional snail-mail route,” Lyke said. 

"I really admire Lachie's athletic ability and the way he carries himself on the field.

"In the short time that I've gotten to know him one on one, I get the sense that he appreciates the support around him more than almost anyone that I have ever met."