One-Eyed Richmond Forum
Football => View from the Outer => Lounder's Draft Resources => Topic started by: one-eyed on March 09, 2009, 09:11:00 AM
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Picking the next AFL stars
Matt Windley | March 09, 2009
THE 2009 national draft is not until November but the stars of the future are already putting their hands up for selection.
About 480 TAC Cup players had fitness tests at Victoria University in front of AFL recruiters at the weekend.
The class of 2009 appears to be full of midfielders.
Recruiters have their eyes fixed on several young players.
Geelong midfielders Callum Bartlett, 17, and Allen Christensen, 17, are being touted as possible top 10 picks.
Christensen was hampered by a groin complaint at the weekend, but Bartlett excelled in the vertical jump and agility tests.
Another midfielder, Dandenong's Ryan Bastinac, 17, outperformed all of his teammates in the beep test with a score of 15.1.
Western Jets key position players Kyle Hartigan, 17, and Jack Fitzpatrick, 17, also impressed.
A 196cm key forward, Fitzpatrick recorded the fastest 20m sprint time of any of his teammates -- 2.89sec.
Hartigan's movement was also impressive for a 194cm defender and he was fifth in his club's agility testing.
Gippsland's John Butcher, 17, Dandenong's Tom Scully, 17, were not present at the testing day but have been mentioned as possible top 10 draft picks.
Under-18 Country Victoria coach Leon Harris said the tests gave AFL recruiters the chance to gauge player fitness, growth and athletic development.
"All they're doing is getting a feel for the talent that's coming through and the improvement from the guys from this year to last year," Harris said.
"It's all a part of the jigsaw puzzle and mostly today there's been a lot of good testing results . . . it shows that the fitness guys at TAC level are doing a very good job with them as there is a large improvement from last year."
The TAC Cup starts on April 4.
Players will be selected for various representative sides and the draft camp during the year.
"It's a process of watching the players to see how they cope with each of those step ups in level because ultimately that's what catches them out," Sydney recruiter Kinnear Beatson said.
"The speed of the game and the skill of the opposition goes up around them and a lot of them just can't cope unfortunately and that's what weeds them out."
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25157498-19742,00.html
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This thread is gonna get busy over the next few months
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The class of 2009 appears to be full of midfielders.
Good, we definitely need a few.
Lids is struggling badly with a tag and until he breaks the tagger wont progress to A grade or elite. Our other hope in the 2004 draft Tambling looks to be struggling to make it as a regular AFL footballer.
White and Jackson are depth mid field players at best.
Cotch hopefully will become elite, but unfortunately Cuz midfield days are probably behind him and a HFF role is more likely.
I think Foley is A grade but will never become elite.
A classy midfielder is needed badly.
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A poster called vandelay on BF has done a potential top 20 at the start of the year. Pretty close to the mark at this stage and a good guide to reflect back on...
1. Tom Scully (15-5-91 / 182cm / 74kg / Dandenong Stingrays, Vic)
For me, Scully’s the deserved number one prospect coming into the new year. It’s hard to split him with Butcher and Lucas at this stage, but ultimately, I think Scully’s got the most points on the board at this stage. He’s got a great attacking mindset which is backed up by a good skill set and good pace. He wins the ball in close, and he can receive brilliantly. Also, I love his football instincts, he’s just so natural. Scully was very impressive throughout the Champs, found the ball in tough situations and generally finished well, making him a worthy All-Australian. He didn’t play much TAC Cup football due to school commitments, but when he came into the side later in the season, he did so with immediate effect and was one of the driving forces behind the Stingrays’ good form with some very big numbers.
2. Kane Lucas (26-6-91 / 188cm / 79kg / East Fremantle, WA)
Lucas is the ultimate in class. He’s a very smooth mover, who delivers the ball with absolute precision and runs and runs and runs. He didn’t prove himself to be a big feeder of the ball in the Champs, but that may have had something to do with his light frame, and it’ll be great watching him with more responsibility this year. However, even if his inside game doesn’t come on much, I can’t see him slipping too far down the order. After all, clubs are always after tall, quick, good users of the ball. My main impression of Kane is that he’s a player you always notice, and that’s why he comes into the year rated so highly. He was unlucky to miss out on All-Australian selection last year.
3. John Butcher (3-7-91 / 197cm / 83kg / Gippsland Power, Vic)
After his performances in last year’s Champs, he rightfully shot to serious contention for the number 1 pick. His performances at the Champs weren’t where it ended with Butcher though; he well and truly took a few TAC Cup games apart, his 7.6 against Bendigo his main highlight. He matches the trend of key position players getting bigger and bigger at 197cm and more and more athletic, which will no doubt make him a very appealing prospect. He takes a strong contested mark, even up against much more developed bodies, and his recovery skills are impressive. His kicking isn’t perfect, but it’s still very workable, with few obvious technical problems. Obviously he’s got some filling out to do, and it’ll be interesting to see what kind of shape he turns up in at the start of the TAC Cup season.
4. Jack Fitzpatrick (26-6-91 / 199cm / 82kg / Western Jets, Vic)
This ranking is probably more of a reflection of where he could be, as opposed to where he actually is at the moment. He boasts a 7 goal haul against the Northern Territory in the TAC Cup, but at the same time he has some low possession, goalless performances next to his name. He’s a tall, athletic kid with plenty of physical development ahead of him but what’s most promising is his ability to take a contested mark and finish off with goals. It’s hard to doubt his talent, and if he can play a consistent, full year with the Jets, he could well feature around this mark come draft day. He suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but from all reports he’s well on top of it at this point in time.
5. Mitchell Duncan (10-6-91 / 187cm / 81kg / East Perth, WA)
He didn’t have a massive impact at the Champs, so he hasn’t received a hell of a lot of hype around here, but Duncan’s one of Western Australia’s absolute best prospects. Some will remember him from the Under 16s a couple of years ago where he had a big impact as Western Australia’s captain. He absolutely dominated Colts football, never slipping below 20 possessions and 4 times having more than 20 kicks, including 28 in one game. He’s an immaculate user of the ball, a hard runner and doesn’t seem to have troubles with pace. I imagine he’ll step out of defence for Western Australia in this year’s champs and have a real impact through the midfield. He’s meant to be a real quality kid as well.
6. Koby Stevens (18-6-91 / 186cm / 78kg / Gippsland Power, Vic)
Koby is definitely one to watch. He came of age for Gippsland last year, and his selection in the TAC Cup Team of the Year was well deserved. To put it simply, he played consistently good football. He’s got good size about him, just about the best frame possible for a kid his age, and to go with that he’s just an incredibly natural footballer. He’s a good user of the ball, his pace is good and I like his work rate. He didn’t have a massive impact with Vic Country at the Champs, but I’ll back him to rectify that this year. I’ve picked my brain looking for a weakness, and I can’t think of anything that’s of any great concern at this stage.
7. Anthony Morabito (29-10-91 / 192cm / 93kg / Peel Thunder, WA)
As an athlete, he cuts a fine figure. He’s quick, he’s big and he’s a pretty good user. Personally, I see him as a bit of a David Myers type at the same age in being most effective as a rebounding defender. However, I’m not as sure of Morabito making the step up to being a full time midfielder; he’s got plenty of work to do on his positioning. Didn’t have the greatest Championships, but did perform well against Tasmania at Casey Fields. He didn’t absolutely take Colts football apart either, but wasn’t without impact. Given more responsibility next year, he could be one that rockets up the order; he’s got most of the attributes of a high pick.
8. Declan Bevan (30-11-91 / 196cm / 90kg / Sandgate, Qld)
He’s a Queenslander, so like I’m sure a number of others, it’s been hard to see much of him. However, what I have seen, I’ve liked. He’s played a lot of football in the ruck to date, but hopefully Queensland can settle him in a key position come this year’s Champs. He’s been highly rated for a long time and I think he’d make a good Full Forward with his strong hands, seemingly good pace off the mark and finishing skills. At 196cms, he’s obviously a big lad as well and is well placed for the physical contest. He’s another kid who’s meant to have a terrific attitude. There has been talk of the Gold Coast snapping him up, but I’m hoping he follows Dayne Beams’ lead and jumps straight into the draft pool rather than waiting round for his AFL opportunity.
9. Jordan Gysberts (11-6-91 / 189cm / 81kg / Eastern Ranges, Vic)
Jordan’s probably one that will need to add a bit more x-factor to his game if he’s going to go around here come November, but right now, he has some serious points on the board that make him stand out from others. He averaged over 20 touches a game in the TAC Cup and made the Team of the Year with only 12 matches, and that’s pretty impressive in itself. He wins the ball in tight and receives well, then finishes off with very clean disposal. He’s got excellent height and a pretty good frame to back that up. Jordan was a solid contributor for Vic Metro in last year’s Champs and I look forward to seeing what he can do with some more time in the midfield.
10. Ben Griffiths (17-9-91 / 197cm / 92kg / Eastern Ranges, Vic)
Griffiths is probably one of the hardest players to rate coming in to the year. He’s done some pretty spectacular things at TAC Cup level, with some especially big marks, but hasn’t really had any really big impacts on matches apart from a good opening game against the Knights. However, he missed 3 months of the season with a groin injury, so he hasn’t played too many matches, and has clearly been underdone when he has. The months he missed also included the Champs, so he probably missed the biggest chance to stand out as well. All things considered, he comes with big raps, he’s an AIS boy and he’s got great size, good athleticism and takes a big mark. So ultimately, he’s pretty hard to look over as a very high prospect, although he’s got a fair bit to prove this year. On potential, he could be one to threaten the top 3 at this stage.
11. Allen Christensen (19-5-91 / 175cm / 69kg / Geelong Falcons, Vic)
I found Allen a really hard one to rate to be honest. Some think he’ll go right up amongst the absolute best in this draft whilst others seem to think he’ll follow in the footsteps of others of a similar ilk and slide a bit. I’ve settled for the happy middle. He certainly doesn’t have any trouble finding the football, he got big numbers consistently for the Falcons in the TAC Cup, and he did get a bit of it for Vic Country at the Champs. He’s quick, he’s got flair and he’s got some pretty handy skills. The big question mark is his size. At 175cm, is he tall enough to handle the midfield at AFL level? Will he be resigned to a flank?
12. Alex Carey (27-8-91 / 180cm / 73kg / Glenelg, SA)
I’ll be honest, I haven’t seen a heap of Alex, or at least not as much as I would’ve liked to. However, like Declan Bevan, there’s a lot to like upon first glance. He’s not that big, although he could well be bigger than 180cms as listed, but he’s quick and has a really nice kicking action. He’s one that’s been fast tracked all along in his junior career, and has generally stood up to the pressure. Last year, he started out in Glenelg’s Under 17s, quickly moved to the Under 19s and ended up playing most of the year in the SANFL Reserves as a 16 year old. He was in the SA squad for the Championships, but as far as I’m aware, he didn’t play. Also meant to be an absolutely exceptional junior cricketer, and if he ends up at Adelaide, one would think they’d have a reasonable side with James Moss and Brad Symes there already!
13. Jesse Crichton (18-6-91 / 183cm / 66kg / North Launceston, Tas)
If there was one benefit of the restructuring of the Championships, it was allowing Division 2 teams to play Division 1 teams. In the past, we may have looked at Crichton’s performances and thought ‘it was only Div 2’, but he well and truly backed up his form against Division 2 teams against Division 1 teams, if anything he went up a gear. He took the opportunity to stand out, and you’ve got to like that. He’s very skinny, and has many an hour ahead of him in the gym, but he’s a real dasher, has quite a leap, he uses it pretty cleanly and he’s really got some x-factor about him. I’d liken him a little bit to Sam Blease.
14. Joseph Groenewegen (25-10-91 / 196cm / 77kg / Launceston, Tas)
Big Joe is a player with a big future ahead of him. The son of Robert (although he doesn’t qualify for the Father/Son rule) is a ruckman at this stage, and one would hope he’ll keep growing and reach an ideal ruckman’s height. However, much like Jackson Trengove this time last year, if that doesn’t happen, it shouldn’t be a problem. He’s a really athletic kid, who moves around the ground well and seems to have a good grasp of the game; I think he’d adapt to a key position just fine. I can’t comment on his form back in Tassie, but he had a good Champs. He probably was a bit out of his depth in Division 1, with size a bit of an issue, but he was more than effective in Division 2.
15. Jake Melksham (29-8-91 / 182cm / 69kg / Calder Cannons, Vic)
Jake only played a few TAC Cup games this year, mainly due to his school commitments at PEGS and some injury problems, so he’s one that’s probably flown a little under the radar over the past year. However, there was nothing wrong with his form when he did play, named in the best for 2 out of 3 games. As far as the Champs go, he was apart of the Vic Metro squad and that’s as far as it went. From what I’ve seen of him, his endurance looks top notch, and he backs that with pace and skill. He’s obviously going to need a bit of work in the gym, but his other attributes should see him become a high pick should a good year ensue.
16. Matt Thompson (2-5-91 / 184cm / 83kg / Sturt, SA)
At the moment, Matt looks like one of the safest midfield bets in the draft, and he’s a player that will probably have a big impact at the Champs. He’s well developed and a true inside player who gets a heap of the ball and generally uses it alright. He didn’t see any action in the SANFL Reserves, but absolutely took apart the Under 19s being named in the best for 13 out of his 17 matches. South Australia didn’t take him to Melbourne for the Champs this year, but he was apart of the squad and to the best of my knowledge played a part in the earlier matches. He’s not flashy, but he’s a real quality workman type.
17. Ben Cunnington (30-6-91 / 184cm / 78kg / Geelong Falcons, Vic)
Cunnington was one of the real finds for the Falcons this year; he just grew and grew as the season went on. He’s tough around the football – a good inside player, but at the same time, he’s pretty quick and can be damaging on the run. The one thing I really like about him is his ability to lift his game to another level, this is what makes him a top prospect, and could see him go higher than here come draft day. I don’t think he quite got the opportunities he deserved with Vic Country this year, although he did play some part later in the carnival which is more than some, although he practically forced his way in. He still needs plenty of development, but he comes into the year in good shape. He and Christensen should be a pretty handy combination for the Falcons this year.
18. Kyle Hartigan (7-11-91 / 194cm / 82kg / Western Jets, Vic)
Kyle was one that really jumped out and shone for the Jets this year, and he’s every bit deserving of the AIS Scholarhsip that ensued. He spent the year down back and played consistently good football; he was rarely beaten and he stood up when he was needed to, I remember him taking some crucial contested marks. He’s got a fairly athletic look to him, although I’m not sure think he’s quite using it to full advantage just yet; I think he could be more damaging on the rebound. At the absolute ideal height of 194cm, he starts the year as the best genuine key defender in the draft in my book. He ran second to Jayden Post for the Jets’ Best and Fairest, so that’s an indication that he’s fairly highly rated down that way.
19. Ryan Harwood (8-7-91 / 182cm / 74kg / Glenorchy, Tas)
The third of a very talented bunch of Tasmanians in this year’s draft pool. Harwood really impressed me at the Champs for Tasmania with especially his evasive skills; he’s a really good mover through traffic. On top of that, he works pretty hard and there’s nothing obviously wrong with his skills at all. I’d like to see him get more of the ball, but I expect that will come with the increased responsibility he’ll have for Tassie at the Carnival, not to mention more attacking roles. He doesn’t have the absolute class of a Scully or a Lucas, but his ability to effectively play inside and out as well as finish off should make him a first or early second round prospect at this stage.
20. Ryan Bastinac (22-6-91 / 182cm / 71kg / Dandenong Stingrays, Vic)
If Tom Scully’s Batman at the Stingrays, Ryan Bastinac is Robin. Scully’s the big shot, but Bastinac is the sidekick who’s very talented in his own right. Ryan’s really got a knack for finding the ball and then doing the right thing with it, and that alone makes him very likable. On top of that, his skills are solid and he’s not lost for pace. He didn’t dominate the TAC Cup, but he was a really consistent player for Dandenong and, in an underage player, I really like that. It should also be considered that Dandenong had quite a side last year, and being a real stand out every week wasn’t easy. Ryan’s one that should go up a gear next year and I look forward to see what he produces.
http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=536791
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Im surprised this thread hasnt gotten busy yet. For me Id like to see Scully, Griffiths, Crighton and Martin in action.
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Unless i see a description which includes a player can kick from both sides of the feet and is over 80 kg's then i dont want him.
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Im surprised this thread hasnt gotten busy yet. For me Id like to see Scully, Griffiths, Crighton and Martin in action.
Butcher kicked 6 this weekend :thumbsup
My only concern with Scully is he looks skinny. He's not built like a Cotchin or Rich. Apart from that looks a smart naturally talented midfielder.
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John Butcher expected to go top-two in national draft
Chris Mitchell | May 15, 2009 11:30pm
IT'S enough to make Melbourne fans go weak at the knees.
The only thing that looks like stopping John Butcher from being a top-two national draft pick is injury.
Even then the Gippsland forward may have already done enough in his third TAC Cup season to be a first-round pick in November's draft.
And Butcher could be headed to the Demons who, having won only three games last season, will qualify for a pre-draft priority choice if they win four or fewer this season.
As long as Melbourne finishes on the bottom as well, picks No. 1 and No. 2 will come its way.
That's serious draft riches.
Butcher, 17, has booted 16 goals in five games this season, including six last weekend against Gold Coast.
The Maffra star has recovered from hip surgery in November and, according to Power coach Damian Carroll, is almost certain to be drafted.
"He is a talent," Carroll said.
"I haven't seen him outmarked this year. He's very agile for a big guy. If you do play a tall on him they might not be able to keep up with him too much or if you play a small he will outmark them."
Butcher, who weighs 86kg and stands 197cm, will lead Vic Country at the national championships, starting against Vic Metro on May 31 at the MCG.
It is there the draft pecking order will be set in stone, with Butcher vying with Dandenong midfielder Tom Scully for top honours.
Butcher has been playing closer to goals at full-forward this season under the eye of his father, Wayne, an assistant coach at Gippsland.
"He's going pretty well, considering his lack of pre-season," Wayne said. "He's not thinking about that (the draft). He doesn't look too far ahead."
Butcher will play in a practice match against Vic Metro at Victoria Park tomorrow.
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/sport/afl/story/0,26547,25490239-5016212,00.html
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Minding the gap no problem for Fitzpatrick
afl.com.au
By Matt Burgan 10:39 AM Thu 18 June, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20F-J/_Fitzpatrick_246a.jpg)
HE MIGHT be a self-confessed 'plugger of gaps' but Vic Metro tall Jack Fitzpatrick has already stamped himself as a prospective first-round selection at this year's NAB AFL Draft.
Standing at 201cm, Fitzpatrick is a versatile big man, who can play ruck, key forward or back.
His recent effort at the NAB Under-18 Championships against NSW/ACT at Rouse Hill in western Sydney, where he gathered 19 touches and took four marks playing up forward and in the ruck, would have caught the eye of even the most critical recruiter.
Such is Fitzpatrick's flexibility, it's difficult to know exactly where he is best suited, according to his Metro coach, former Carlton forward and 1993 grand final player Rohan Welsh.
"He's one of those ones you don't know whether to play him in the ruck, up forward or back. We've got that luxury that we can play him in those different spots," Welsh told afl.com.au.
"He's got a good tank, he's good overhead but he probably needs to improve his kicking a little bit.
"He's pretty versatile so that can be a negative and a positive in a lot of ways for recruiters, who can see someone play back and forward. And he has given us a real target up forward."
As for the young man, he has a unique take on his role in the game.
"I sometimes refer to myself as Selleys all seals – I just plug the gap," Fitzpatrick told afl.com.au.
"As long as I'm playing my role, I'm fairly happy."
Hailing from Wyndhamvale/Western Jets, Fitzpatrick, who has grown up a Hawthorn supporter, is relishing the opportunity to play in his second NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, after tasting victory last year.
"Someone like Nick Suban is now playing for Fremantle and I played with him last year and 'Wattsy' [Jack Watts] just made his debut the other week, so it's great," he said.
"It was great spending time with 'Wattsy', whether it be in South Africa [with the AIS/AFL Academy] or Tassie with Vic Metro, so it's quite a good experience."
Fitzpatrick, who also played Under-16s for Vic Metro, has enjoyed coming through with the system with highly-touted pair Tom Scully and John Butcher in the AIS/AFL academy last year.
So how is the year-12 student at McKillop College, Werribee, handling the early talk that he may be a first-round selection come November?
"Oh well, you don't really tend to look at it – that's another six months away," Fitzpatrick said.
"Hopefully, I can keep some good form up and the rest will take care of itself."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/78989/default.aspx
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New name touted as No.1 draft pick
afl.com.au
By Matt Burgan Thu 18 June, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20P-T/_SAU18s_246a.jpg)
TOM SCULLY, John Butcher … and now Jack Trengove?
The first two mentioned have already been touted as potential No.1 and No.2 prospects in this year's NAB AFL Draft, but don't dismiss South Australia's best prospect this year, Jack Trengove, who has blossomed in this year's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
He shone with 31 disposals in South Australia's first match against Western Australia, 18 touches and two goals in his second hit-out against Queensland and 27 possessions and three majors in last weekend's win over Vic Country.
South Australian under-18 coach and former Essendon and Brisbane player Brenton Phillips said Trengove's ability to remain composed is coming to the fore.
"He's a level-headed young man. He knows where he's at and he just goes about it," he told afl.com.au.
"I like the fact nothing overawes him. He just goes about his business and he understands that he's going to get a bit of attention.
"He's been educated well enough to understand and deal with it correctly."
Although Trengove is the leading Croweater, Phillps is optimistic at least half-a-dozen of his South Australian teammates will be snapped up in the first draft meeting of 2009.
"It's hard to put figures on how many will be drafted … there are probably half a dozen in the mix that'll possibly get onto a list," he said.
"Everyone keeps saying: 'the draft's skinny'. So from that point of view, you've got no idea – it depends on what each club wants to do with its list management."
Still, there is no doubt Trengove will be on an AFL list by the year's end, but at the moment, the 17-year-old – he turns 18 on September 2 – is focusing on his carnival.
"It's good playing against the best guys in Australia, your age. It's a good experience," he told afl.com.au.
"[Hopefully I can] have a consistent championship and do my bit and the team can do well."
Trengove said he wasn’t paying much attention to talk he could be a No.1 draft prospect.
"I just go out there and try and play my best – whatever happens is good," Trengove said.
"You can put that pressure on yourself, but I just go out and have a crack and see what happens."
The 185cm Trengove, who hails from Kybybolite/Sturt, is a versatile player with his inside midfield and forward work a feature of his game.
An Adelaide fan, Trengove's role models in the game are Gary Ablett jnr and Chris Judd.
And for the record, he is no relation to first-year Port Adelaide player Jackson Trengove.
"It's a pretty uncommon name, but I don't know of any relations. I haven't actually met him yet," he said of his namesake.
But like his namesake, an AFL list beckons.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/78988/default.aspx
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Its at as it always is the draft is never as bad as people are making out and players like Trengove come to the fore, hes a good size, and if we cant get the KPP we want then Id take a midfielder its good to see Trengove doing well.
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Young Harwood on song
By Stu Warren Sat 20 June, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20F-J/HarwoodTas_246a.jpg)
RYAN Harwood is the type of footballer who just loves to win.
Be it matches for his club side Glenorchy or the Tasmania Under 18s, in one-on-one contests for the ball or in getting the best of an opponent, the tough redhead has a competitive streak that's plain to see.
But his best-on-ground performance for the Tassie Mariners in their 62-point demolition of Queensland at Launceston's Aurora Stadium on Saturday was particularly sweet – it meant he got to join teammates in a rousing rendition of the team song post-match, a pleasure the state U18s had been denied following narrow losses in their first two games of the 2009 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.
"We just missed out in the final quarter in the other two games," he said. "But it was good to sing the song today. That's what the boys really wanted."
At 17 and in his second season at U18 level, the 184cm midfielder is a real chance of being drafted later this year, particularly if he maintains his form for state and club for the rest of the season.
His three goals and best-afield performance against Queensland comes as further proof his good form earlier in the tournament and a recent best-on-ground effort for club side Glenorchy in a televised Tasmanian State League match are genuine indicators of a quality footballer on the rise.
Harwood believes the experience he's gaining at club level is vital in his development and by playing for the Magpies and Mariners this year he's learning a lot about his game and the different requirements of a player at various levels.
"At Glenorchy it's a lot harder and more physical, but this is definitely a bit quicker," he said.
He's convinced, though, the best way forward is to work hard at all things football and not to get too worried about what may or may not happen come draft time.
"I want to keep my head down and play good footy and just concentrate on that for the rest of the year," he said.
In a sign of his commitment to giving himself the best chance of being drafted for 2010 (at least two Victorian clubs have shown interest so far), Harwood has opted for casual work as a fencer around Hobart and surrounds to allow himself as much time as possible to train for and play football.
This single-minded attitude is also reflected in his preference for playing tough, in-and-under football.
"I like to get in there, getting in hard at the ball," he said. "Going hard at it and tackling, whatever they [the coaches] want me to do."
Next up for Harwood is Tasmania's match against Western Australia, then the finale against NSW/ACT at Docklands Stadium. Both are must-win contests if the Mariners are to have any chance of topping their pool and you can take it for granted that Harwood will be doing everything in his power to make sure that's just what happens.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79088/default.aspx
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Its at as it always is the draft is never as bad as people are making out and players like Trengove come to the fore, hes a good size, and if we cant get the KPP we want then Id take a midfielder its good to see Trengove doing well.
True. There's already 20 names easily popping up so it would be great if we could get 3 of them ;). The next two weeks of the U18 champs, finals in September and the draft camp will sort them into some order and bring others more into notice of recruiters. I hope the Club this time around changes its tune of the weakness of this draft and doesn't use it as an excuse to trade picks away.
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I had 35 names a month ago. We can get 4 players inside the first 35 picks if we are smart.
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I had 35 names a month ago. We can get 4 players inside the first 35 picks if we are smart.
Yep Ramps if we are smart :-\. We could even make it 5 in the top 35 if we traded for another pick.
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some good midfielders available this year - young guys who can actually kick the footy IMHO.
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some good midfielders available this year - young guys who can actually kick the footy IMHO.
Yep last year seemed to have more quality talls to choose from. This year apart from Butcher (I haven't seen enough of Griffiths to judge) it seems the better kids are mids. Although we need to add a couple of big key forwards another quality midfielder to go along with Cotch, Lids and co. wouldn't be a bad thing.
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Tom Scully expected to go at No. 1 in 2009 AFL draft
Jon Ralph | June 25, 2009
(http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6687627,00.jpg)
FIVE months out from the 2009 national draft, the debate is already over. Gippsland midfielder Tom Scully is considered a rolled-gold certainty to be this year's No. 1 selection.
Scully has dominated the first three matches of the five-game under-18 national championships and, barring catastrophic injury, will find himself at Melbourne next year.
The club has endured much debate about No. 1 pick Jack Watts' progress.
But recruiters say Scully will likely play from Round 1 in the manner of the Brisbane Lions' No. 7 selection Daniel Rich.
A 182cm left-footed midfielder described as a mix of Luke Power and Simon Black, Scully has notched possession tallies of 33, 17 and 30 in his three championship games.
Despite being heavily tagged in his last game against unbeaten West Australia, he had 13 contested possessions, eight clearances, six tackles and a breathtaking goal.
Melbourne is last on the AFL ladder by two games and healthy percentage, and it would take something extraordinary for it not to win the wooden spoon.
Demons recruiting manager Barry Prendergast stopped just short of anointing Scully as the best player in the draft yesterday.
But he said the Vic Metro captain had done everything asked of him this year.
"You wouldn't put anyone else in Scully's bracket yet, so unless a few of the other contenders really come on and develop and put their hand up, you couldn't see them coming over the top," he said.
"His first three games have been pretty good. They have been beaten twice, so he's really stood up when they haven't played well and that's a really good sign.
"With his quick hands and his competitiveness and his running, he's justified his reputation and certainly his ranking at this point."
While the 18-year-old is the no-brainer for Prendergast, the under-18 titles have clouded the national draft's second selection.
If the Demons win less than five games, as expected, they will win a pre-draft priority pick that gives them selections one and two.
Gippsland's John Butcher was seen as the dominant big man in the draft, but has been underwhelming in both the TAC Cup and national championships.
In his past two matches he has kicked 2.6, with a kicking efficiency of only 50 per cent over three games.
If the Demons are recruiting based on need, they might still decide his scope for improvement means he is worth the risk.
But if they lose the priority pick, a host of midfielders could come into calculations.
South Australia's Jack Trengove has thrust his name forward, Anthony Morabito and Kane Lucas are the pick of the dominant WA side, while Vic Metro tall Jack Fitzpatrick continues to shine.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,25686056-19742,00.html
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Draft stocks rise for WA teen
richmondfc.com.au
By Murray Belkin Sun 28 June, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20A-E/KLucas_2009_246a.jpg)
A MOVE from midfield to half-forward has Kane Lucas’s coach describing him as the complete player.
Already considered one of the more attractive prospects ahead of this year’s NAB AFL Draft, Lucas has been in fine form for Western Australia throughout the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
He starred against Vic Metro at Subiaco with 18 possessions, five inside 50s, two goals and two scoring assists.
In the 128-point belting of Tasmania at Casey Fields on Saturday, he finished with 23 disposals, three clearances, six inside 50s and two goals.
“He has got good hands, he’s quick and has got good skills – he is the complete player,” WA coach Andrew Lockyer told afl.com.au.
The decision to throw 188cm Lucas forward, Lockyer said, was taken for team reasons rather than with Lucas himself in mind.
“He’s one of our most consistent forwards – throughout the carnival he has probably been our best lead-up forward.”
A senior player at WAFL level with East Fremantle this year, Lucas is WA’s joint vice-captain.
In his second U18 carnival, he says playing up forward has been an opportunity to learn more about his game.
“I’ve been working on my opposite side and trying to get that up to scratch, and to develop a bit more penetration with my kicking,” he said.
“I think I’ve lost a bit over the year and am working on that – I think it’s really starting to come together now.”
WA remains unbeaten ahead of Wednesday’s finale at Docklands, which hasn’t hurt Lucas’s enthusiasm for the championships.
“It’s been awesome. Especially it being my second year this year and the boys have been a bit more successful,” he said.
“I’m having a lot of fun.”
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79557/default.aspx
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Lofty goals for Vic Country skipper Andrew Hooper
afl.com.au
By Murray Belkin Sun 28 June, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/Hooper_skip246x316a.jpg)
HE MAY not be your stereotypical footballer, but Andrew Hooper will attract the attention of all 16 AFL clubs and their talent scouts before the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.
The Vic Country captain may only stand at 172cm, but his leadership, courage and vision stands enables him to head and shoulders above the rest on the football field.
Speaking after Vic Country notched its second win of the 2009 NAB Under-18 Championship on Saturday – a 52-point win over the Northern Territory at Casey Fields – Hooper is relishing the challenge of playing against the most talented youngsters in the country.
“It was a good experience - playing against the Northern Territory is always interesting,” he told afl.com.au.
“They’re a quick side and we were up for the challenge – we had a good win.”
Currently playing for the North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup, Hooper has been in blistering form for Vic Country. His ability to read and set-up play across half-back or use his strength and skill in the midfield has impressed many onlookers.
“I’m going really well. I just want to keep playing consistent football,” he said.
Eligible for this years’ draft, Hooper was a member of the Vic Country side in the 2008 NAB Under-18 Championship. Despite this previous experience, Hooper acknowledges he still has areas he has to improve on to achieve his football dream.
“My endurance is an area I’m working on. I’ve got good endurance, but I still want to improve on that,” the 18-year old said.
“It’s something I have been working on all year – but in every aspect you have to keep improving.”
Hooper believes the confidence instilled in him by Vic Country coach Robert Hyde has been one of many reasons behind his sensational form.
“He [Hyde] has been just reinforcing the message of playing consistent footy, be hard at it, run and carry and take them on.”
“As I am a leader, I have to lead from the front and get the boys over the line.”
It is Hooper’s leadership around the ground that has also impressed at the titles, with the small defender thrilled to be leading the Vic Country side.
“It’s a great honour to come out and lead the ‘Big V’ – it’s nothing different for me,” Hooper said.
“I just want to get out there and play my normal game.”
Hyde is a admirer of Hooper, with his positive attitude and team-orientated play earning the respect and praise of the Vic Country coach.
“Little ‘Hoops’ - wherever we put him, he always does something,” he said.
Hooper, who is currently completing a pre-apprenticeship in building, hasn’t given much thought to draft day, and is instead focusing on letting his football do the talking.
“I’m not really concentrating on that at the moment – I’m just trying to play consistent footy up to the draft and hopefully I’m lucky enough to get drafted.”
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79548/default.aspx
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Morabito following Rich path
By Luke Holmesby Mon 29 June, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20A-E/AnthonyMorabito_246c.jpg)
TWELVE months ago Anthony Morabito was a bottom age player in a star-studded Western Australian side.
Now he is one of the big names in the side that has not conceded a game so far in this year’s NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.
Four WA boys were taken with the first seven picks at last year’s National Draft causing Morabito to realise an AFL career was a very real possibility.
“I set myself after last year. After seeing the older guys like Nicko (Nick Naitanui) and Richy (Daniel Rich) make that transition I thought I might as well set that as my goal,” he said.
“Last year I was coming in as a younger guy and we had the likes of Richy and Nicko and you are really in awe of them because they are such great players.
“This year we tried to get around the younger players a bit more and I think it has really helped.
“I’d say some of my best mates in the team are some of the younger boys.”
Morabito has spent much of the year playing for Peel Thunder in the WAFL after moving from Bunbury to Mandurah to give himself the best chance of getting drafted this year.
“I’ve been around the club. When you’re not doing a proper session you can do a weights session or recovery session. People around the club notice that and say ‘he’s get his head screwed on’,” he said.
Morabito is living by himself and is studying commerce at University while also trying to build a football career.
He admits his mum still makes the regular trip from Bunbury to help him with the cooking and cleaning while gardening is ‘not even on the agenda’.
But the 17-year-old is getting the hang of living away from home and in all likelihood will have to move to an even bigger city somewhere in Australia next year to kick off his AFL career.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79641/default.aspx
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Ben Cunnington the latest Falcon to hit the scene
By Luke Holmesby Mon 29 June, 2009
PACY midfielder Ben Cunnington looks set to become the next highly-rated graduate of the powerful Geelong Falcons.
The Falcons are the most successful club in the 18-year history of the TAC Cup competition, having produced Jimmy Bartel, Luke Hodge, Jonathan Brown, Scott Lucas and Gary Ablett.
Cunnington is away from the Falcons for the minute as he shows his wares for Victoria Country in the NAB AFL Under 18 competition. But he is still keeping tabs on his club teammates.
“It is pretty surreal,” Cunnington said. “I’ve been working hard and trying to improve my game all the time. Back at the Falcons they are still going strong. They had another win yesterday. It will be good to go back there and hopefully we can have a good finals series.
“At the start of the year I was hoping to have a good consistent year with the Falcons. I didn’t really think about the state team.”
Cunnington has captained the Vic Country team, which has produced a mix bag so far in the carnival.
“All the travel with the Vic Country boys, a few of the boys were a bit tired in the legs. To their credit, South Australia played really good footy and they were better than us on the day.
“We bounced back against Northern Territory and played some good team footy,” he said.
Cunnington said there was a real camaraderie among the Vic Country team despite players having to travel from all over the state to attend training.
“We started training over summer. We only get together once a month for training. Robert Hyde and all the coaching staff have done well to get us together as a group,” he said.
Victoria Country takes on the undefeated Western Australia this Wednesday and while Cunnington admits his team are underdogs, he is expecting a competitive effort.
“They’ve been playing pretty good football over the carnival. If we all play as a team we should give them a good run.”
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79645/default.aspx
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Gary Rohan sets sail for draft
afl.com.au
By Matt Burgan Mon 29 June, 2009
SCULLY, Butcher, Trengove and Morabito are just some of the key names being talked about as months tick down towards November's NAB AFL Draft.
But as is the case each season, there are always those who rise up the pecking order as the year progresses.
One player who is certainly catching the eye of recruiters during this year's NAB AFL under 18 championships – and appears to be a first-round selection and potentially higher in the ranking – is Vic Country forward Gary Rohan.
According to Country coach Robert Hyde, formerly a Collingwood and Essendon player, there is a distinct reason why Rohan is attracting keen interest among the recruiting fraternity.
"It's because he's come out of nowhere," Hyde told afl.com.au.
"He wasn't on a list last year, and he's just one of those kids that generates [talk] because he runs, he's hard at it, and he just makes things happen.
"For him and his family, it's just fantastic. When he came in, he didn't know if he was good enough, but he's been probably close to our best player over the whole four games."
For the 18-year-old from Cobden, in Victoria's south-west dairy farming district, the journey from his local club of the same town name says the opportunity to play for the Geelong Falcons and now Vic Country has been overwhelming.
"I made Falcons and then I don't know how I made Vic Country – I didn't think I was good enough – but I've managed to hold my spot," the humble redhead told afl.com.au.
"Now it's going pretty good. There have been a lot of experiences for me, playing Falcons and Cobden."
Rohan, who said he was initially rejected by the Falcons (which is why this is his first full season in the 'system') believes he "got all of his talent" from his father, who played for the St Kilda reserves in 1985-86.
"I'd tried out for Falcons, but I was too small. Now I've built up a bit," he said.
"I wasn't going to go back, because I knew I wasn't going to make it, but Mum told me to go back and see how I'd go."
A Geelong supporter, who used to follow St Kilda when he was younger, Rohan is also a talented high jumper, having represented underage state teams. He is also a talented basketballer.
But now his focus is on football. And already he is making the sacrifices.
He makes a two-hour trek once a week, on a Thursday night, to train with the Falcons, but remains with Cobden on Tuesdays.
And now the lead-up half-forward, who possesses an outstanding vertical leap – as evidenced by a spectacular mark taken for Vic Country in a clash at Skilled Stadium earlier in the championships – is gaining momentum in his game. His footy smarts and hard running are also features of his play.
So how does he feel about being talked up as a likely first-rounder or top 10 pick?
"I don't think I'm that good. When I'm looking around the [change rooms], there are way better players than me. Everyone is doing the talking for me," Rohan said.
"I just worry about my footy – if it happens, it happens and if it doesn't, it doesn't. I'll be disappointed if I don't get drafted, but I'll still work hard and try next year.
"No one has really said anything to me, although I've had a letter from North Melbourne."
There appears little doubt that Rohan will receive more club correspondence as draft time comes closer.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/79639/default.aspx
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Falcons set to fly on draft day - Ben Cunnington and Gary Rohan
By Ben Broad | Thu 27 August, 2009
GEELONG Falcons regional manager Michael Turner says the TAC Cup club has two potential top-five draft picks on its list.
The Falcons, coached by former Geelong champion Garry Hocking, are undefeated this season and will enter the finals as favourite to win this year’s premiership.
But as is the case with all TAC Cup sides, a premiership is almost an aside to how many players each club has selected come draft day.
In almost 15 years in his role, Turner has overseen the likes of Jonathan Brown, Luke Hodge and Jimmy Bartel graduate from TAC Cup to AFL level.
This year he believes eight to 10 Falcons will feature in draft calculations. But two players, in particular, stand out among this season’s Falcons crop.
Ben Cunnington and Gary Rohan are both likely to be selected in the top 10 at this year’s NAB AFL Draft with their ultimate ranking possibly dependent on how they go in September.
Both boys played senior football for Cobden before joining the Falcons. And both represented Vic Country and won All-Australian honours at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
"Melbourne could do worse than taking both of those guys [Cunnington and Rohan] with their first two picks, to tell you the truth," Turner told afl.com.au.
"Cunnington’s the most professional kid I’ve seen but Rohan’s the most exciting kid I’ve seen.
"They’ll definitely be top 10, probably even earlier … as we know Hodge went No.1 [in the draft], Bartel went at pick no.8 and these kids are as good as they are."
Cunnington, the Falcons’ captain this season, was also a co-captain for Vic Country.
At about 186cm and 84kg he appears ready-made for senior AFL level. While predominately a midfielder, Turner says his ability to play almost anywhere has clubs salivating.
"I’ve had Hodge and obviously Bartel in the program and he’s very much a cross between them.
"We often play him off the back flank, he plays in the midfield and when we want to rest him he just goes down to full-forward because he doesn’t like coming off."
Cunnington booted five goals last week and has been a regular on the scoresheet in 2009.
"The thing that got Hodge the No.1 pick was the fact that he can play down back, play in the midfield and go forward and kick goals, and this kid is very much like that.
"He’s the most professional kid I’ve had in 15 years. He’s got a training bag, a match bag, he’s just super organised.
"Another good sign is after the national championships a lot of kids sort of taper off a bit, but the four games since then he’s been best on the ground every game."
Rohan is about 188cm and while sharing his teammate’s versatility, he possesses a certain X-factor that has drawn attention from all AFL scouts.
"He does things that I’ve never seen before," Turner said.
"He never made any of our squads until this year; he was very much a late developer.
"So there’s enormous upside to Gary Rohan because of the fact he’s a late developer and he’s only been in our program for five or six months."
Turner said this year had been a "headspin" for Rohan, who has come from nowhere to be vying for a top-10 pick in the draft.
"We cut him last year because he was a bit under-developed and let him go to Cobden," he said.
"He played in the backline there all year and did really well and then this year he’s come in and been a real revelation.
"He can play back, midfield on a wing or wherever and also go forward [because] he’s just super-quick.
"Kids like that are very appealing to clubs because they can play all over the shop."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/83594/default.aspx
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Jakes' stakes rise in Cannons' draft feed
By Ben Broad 2:08 PM Thu 03 September, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20A-E/JCarlisle_2009_246a.jpg)
Jake Carlisle reaches for a mark when playing for Vic Metro in this year's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships
THE CALDER Cannons appear certain to continue their production line of elite-level graduates with two youngsters pressing their claims ahead of November's NAB AFL Draft.
The Cannons, who have had more than 50 players drafted to the AFL since joining the TAC Cup competition in 1995, will commence their finals campaign this weekend.
And recruiters are likely to hone in on two players – Jake Melksham and Jake Carlisle.
After representing Vic Metro at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, the pair has been invited to this year's draft camp in Canberra and are likely to follow in the footsteps of former Cannons such as Dane Swan, Paul Chapman and Brock McLean.
But regional manager Ian Kyte says just how high Melksham and Carlisle are taken in this year's intake remains to be seen.
Teammate Daniel Talia is considered a likely first-round pick – or at the very least a second-round selection – and Kyte believes the two Jakes could be held in similar regard come draft day.
Melksham, classified in the medium midfielder range for the draft camp later this month, is 184cm and around 75kg.
He has played the majority of 2009 with his school (Penleigh and Essendon Grammar) but talent scouts have taken a shining to what they have seen.
"He could be [drafted] anywhere from 10 to 30," Kyte told afl.com.au.
"I know there are two clubs that are really interested in him. One club sort of said if he's still there at whatever their pick is they'd take him and another bloke smiled at me and said, 'He won't be there'."
Kyte said Melksham, a graduate of the AIS/AFL Academy, had all the makings of an AFL player.
"He's very smart around the ball, reads the play well; they’re probably his greatest assets," Kyte said.
"His pace and his ability in traffic is pretty good, too. He seems to be able to get out of trouble really well.
"He had most of last year off with a bit of OP (osteitis pubis) but he’s through that now.
"We've tried to give him as easy a year as possible knowing that he was going to play school [footy], for Vic Metro and then play a few games with us as well."
Carlisle is a different proposition to Melksham but has been equally effective at TAC Cup level this year.
A recent convert to Australian football, the tall forward is 196cm and around 90kg and is tipped to be snapped up by an AFL club in the second or third round.
"He's a full-timer with us who was an elite cricketer," Kyte said.
"He played in the Dowling Shield in cricket and then had a year off cricket because he hurt his back. He then went back and played a little bit of footy and found he liked it."
The Cannons swooped on Carlisle last year and he hasn't looked back.
"He played six or seven games last year and has been amongst our best players this year," Kyte said.
"He's pretty green still. There's a lot of improvement left in him … if he's still there at the end of round two I'd be pretty surprised.
"But who knows? You can play with it and guess [where players are going to be selected] but until the names are actually called out, that's the only time you really know when they're going to go."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/84120/default.aspx
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Sheppard's stocks rise
afl.com.au
By Nathan Schmook | Thu 10 September, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20A-E/_Sheppard_246a.jpg)
DRAFT prospect Brad Sheppard has developed more than any other player in Western Australia's 2009 talent pathway, says WA Football Commission high performance coach Rob Wiley.
Sheppard, 18, is expected to figure in the first round of November's NAB AFL Draft after playing 15 senior games for WAFL side East Fremantle and earning All-Australian selection at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
He's one of five first-round fancies coming out of the state, alongside Kane Lucas, Anthony Morabito, Lewis Jetta and late bolter Aaron Black.
Wiley said Sheppard had improved enormously in the last 12 months and recruiters would be drawn to his potential.
"He's been in our talent pathway for the last three years and been one of these players that has juggled cricket and football," Wiley told afl.com.au.
"He decided at the end of last year's cricket season that he would concentrate on football and he's benefitted enormously from that decision because he's then been able to train specifically for football.
"He's really developed in many ways more than anyone else. That's why the recruiters can look at the potential there and [the benefits of] developing him in the AFL system."
Wiley said a good fitness base, natural talent and an ability to read the play had encouraged Sheppard's emergence in the WAFL this season.
The 186cm defender has pushed up the ground to play midfield roles for the Sharks and Wiley said he had the ability and athleticism to be groomed for a number of positions.
"He played across the midfield for East Fremantle, he played back for the state 18s and yet he played most of his junior football as a forward," Wiley said.
"He's a good height and can offer a lot in a variety of positions."
East Fremantle teammate Lucas, 18, is another player Wiley believes boasts the versatility desired by AFL recruiters. The All-Australian junior played 12 senior WAFL games this season.
"He's now experienced senior football this year, so that will hold him in good stead," Wiley said. "Recruiters will be able to see how he's measured up against men.
"He's got a lot to offer. He's a good size, has good running ability and is certainly a player that can play in a number of positions. He's not being stereotyped as purely a forward or a back.
"He's got a great ability to read the play and he certainly knows how to win the football. He's got good endurance and he's quite adequate in the pace."
Black, who enjoyed a promising end to his season with Peel Thunder, is making a late charge for the first-round intake.
The 18-year-old played three senior games to top off his season in the WAFL colts competition and could be one of the best tall options come November.
Wiley said Black had impressed with his marking, goalkicking and mobility.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/84514/default.aspx
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Jetta pushes first round claims
afl.com.au
By Nathan Schmook | Thu 10 September, 2009
(http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6642175,00.jpg)
DASHING WA youngster Lewis Jetta is firming as a first-round pick ahead of November's NAB AFL Draft after playing a starring role in week one of the WAFL finals.
Jetta, 20, appears set to follow in the footsteps of mature-age WA recruits Liam Anthony and elevated rookie Greg Broughton at this year's draft and he is swiftly building a reputation as a big stage performer.
The Swan Districts star had 26 possessions, three goals and seven inside-50s in his side's semi-final win over South Fremantle. He also booted three goals back in May when he represented WA against SA.
WA Football Commission high performance coach Rob Wiley said Jetta had enjoyed a wonderful year in the WAFL and he was enhancing his draft prospects by performing in big games.
"Recruiters look at many things, but being able to play at the next level and play when the stakes are higher probably holds a lot of value to them," Wiley told afl.com.au.
"He's had a wonderful year and he's certainly played well at the next level in the state game against South Australia. I'm sure he'll be a player highly thought of.
"He's doing everything right and he's had a very good, consistent year. His athleticism and his ability to have an impact on a game will bring the recruiters towards thinking he can be a valuable asset."
Jetta's line-breaking pace, penetrating kick and accomplished skills have him prominent in the minds of AFL recruiters, and Wiley said there was plenty of upside yet for the skinny youngster.
"That's always a tough call recruiters make, putting them into more professional set-ups and how much they will improve," he said.
"A good example is [Essendon's] Tayte Pears, who was recruited a couple of years ago and came from the country. He did okay, but he's now growing in stature as an emerging young backman. Being in the right environment will certainly improve their chances."
Jetta moved form Bunbury to Perth this season to play senior football with Swan Districts and Wiley said he had blossomed since making the move.
All-Australian junior Anthony Morabito also made the decision to relocate closer to Perth, moving from the state's south-west to Mandurah, where he could train regularly with WAFL club Peel Thunder.
Wiley said Morabito would fit comfortably in the draft's top six picks and both WA clubs would jump at the chance to recruit the exciting teenager.
"His form in the WAFL in the early part of the year was certainly outstanding and he carried that through into the 18s and had an enormous impact," Wiley said of Morabito.
"Experiencing senior football and the fact that he was able to go through a pre-season has certainly set Anthony up for a good year and I'm sure attracted the recruiters' eyes.
"He'd be similar to [Brisbane Lion] Daniel Rich where he's very physically mature. He has played well at senior level, so I'm sure he'll be highly thought of.
"From what I've seen he'd be a top half-a-dozen [pick] for sure."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/84512/default.aspx
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Hardened young farmers make choice prospects
Brent Diamond | September 13, 2009
ON SEPARATE farms near the Victorian country towns of Princetown and Timboon, near Port Campbell, live two top-10 draft prospects from the Geelong Falcons - Ben Cunnington and Gary Rohan.
Both use their family farms ''like training bases'' in between almost continuous travel to Falcons training and have continued to follow the ''tough breed'' reputation that developed from Jonathan Brown's rise from Warrnambool.
''We always work a bit harder I reckon,'' Cunnington said. ''We're brought up on the farm and we just work around the farm … We're used to working hard and it's helped with our strength at footy. Stuff like milking cows, lifting things and fencing.''
Cunnington sounds like his Brisbane Lions hero Brown when he talks, but Falcons general manager Michael Turner says the gun midfielder is ''a cross between a Luke Hodge and a Jimmy Bartel''.
''That's how highly I rate him,'' Turner said.
He also described Rohan as ''probably the most exciting player I've ever seen''.
''The two to come out of that one area of Victoria is quite extraordinary,'' he said.
The two mates, however, have taken very different paths from playing a handful of games together at Cobden in the Hampton Football League, to now being eyed as the pick of the young Falcons this season.
Cunnington has been the obvious potential champion - identified at under-15 and under-16 level at Cobden, he booted nine goals in his second game at TAC Cup level as a 17-year-old last year.
Key-position prospect Rohan has been the battler after missing out on Falcons selection last season, before establishing himself as one of the competition's brightest stars this year.
''He [Rohan] is a bit of a late maturer,'' Turner said. ''He went on to play with Cobden last year in the back line and made our squad this year, and has achieved unbelievable things. He's just got unbelievable pace and athleticism and he's just got a huge amount of development in him.
''He's only been in our program for six months. When he goes to an AFL club he's still got an enormous amount of development in him.''
Both have since starred for Vic Country and made the All-Australian team. Certain to become an AFL player next season, Cunnington admits there is a pinch of pressure this time of year.
''There's a bit of pressure being the Falcons captain and top age player, but I like the pressure and just stepping up to the occasion,'' he said.
''I've had a few clubs contact me but I won't know until draft day.
''It would just be a dream come true.''
Today, coached by Garry Hocking, Cunnington and Rohan will be eager to keep the Falcons' premiership dream alive in a semi-final against Gold Coast.
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfnews/hardened-young-farmers-make-choice-prospects/2009/09/12/1252519681490.html
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Overlooked Jetta brother now racing up the draft rankings
Emma Quayle, Canberra | September 30, 2009
(http://www.realfooty.com.au/ffximage/2009/09/29/mb_jetta_wideweb__470x310,0.jpg)
LEWIS Jetta is a small, speedy footballer with silky skills, who could be one of the first 15 players chosen in this year's national draft. He could even be gone by pick No. 7, if the Eagles are as keen as people seem to think they are.
Jetta was an instant hit at Swan Districts this year. He played every game for the senior team, and he got better as he went. He kicked three goals for Western Australia in a state game against South Australia, he scooped balls neatly off the ground, sprinted down the wings and kicked goals.
Before then, he was asked to fill in for one of the Eagles' pre-season intra-club games, playing on David Wirrpanda, and kicking two goals. ''That was like the biggest day of my life,'' he said. ''My whole family came along to watch. I think they were the only people in the crowd who were making any noise.''
Bigger things have unfolded, but Jetta hasn't exactly come from nowhere. Two years ago, after an ordinary season for Swan District's under-19 team, he still did enough to earn an invitation to a state testing day in Perth.
The clubs all had a look, but no one saw him as draftable. ''I was lazy back then, and my fitness was no good,'' said the 20-year-old.
At the end of preseason this year, his cousin Neville - who was drafted by Melbourne - and brother Graham moved into a house owned by the club, and Lewis began a groundskeeping apprenticeship.
''It was just hope back then, all I had was luck, but no one picked me up and I felt pretty down about it. I felt like I wasn't hard enough, so I went back to Bunbury, where the footy's a bit harder, to get my body knocked around a bit more and take some big tackles and hits. I got more used to the hard work and I got more confidence, just to attack the ball and put my head over it a lot more.''
Then came the next near miss. Late last year, Melbourne recruiting manager Barry Prendergast and one of his senior scouts, John Turnbull, travelled to Bunbury to interview Neville Jetta and Jamie Bennell, both of whom they eventually drafted.
On the day they were supposed to see Neville, he was four hours inland with his father, and their car had broken down. Lewis' dad went off to fetch them, so Lewis went along with Lynette, Neville's mother, to meet the two recruiters.
Lynette ran the pair through Lewis' CV, and Lewis told them about how he'd kicked 12 goals for Bunbury a few weeks earlier. ''She knows her footy, Lynette, and she was doing her best to talk him up,'' recalled Prendergast, who also remembers asking Lewis how he'd managed so many goals.
''He said he was playing on the wing. I said: 'The wing?' and he said 'Yeah, I just kept running down to catch it.' He wasn't too talkative, but Lynette kept promoting him and it's funny, because at that stage we weren't to know we'd be able to draft Neville and Jamie.
''We drove away. I was busy working through all our picks, and Lewis was a kid from Bunbury I'd never seen play. Then the start of the year came along, he started dominating for Swan District seniors, and I said to John: 'He was sitting right in front of us! We could have rookie listed him at No. 70!'
''So we watched him play, and he's obviously lightning quick and got a lot of talent. At that point, it was probably one of those things where you're so busy sorting through the draft, that you're not really looking for the smoky. Lynette obviously has a good eye for talent.''
Still, watching Neville and Jamie play together for the Demons, said Lewis, had helped him realise how much he wanted to do it. He still has a photo of the three of them as kids, playing for the same junior side, speaks to Neville most weekends and has felt a bit envious watching his games on TV. ''For them to be there together, it looks like so much fun,'' he said. ''I watch them on TV and I'm a bit jealous. I look at them and think that could have been me, but hopefully this year is my turn.
''I'd love to go and play at Melbourne with those boys, and see what we could do."
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfnews/jetta-brother-races-up-rankings/2009/09/29/1253989912728.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
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Lucas relishes elite-level preparation
afl.com.au
By Luke Holmesby | Wed 30 September, 2009
Lucas impressed many scouts with his results in Wednesday morning's agility test but said that in his time at the AIS-AFL Academy it was his weakest area.
"I was pretty happy to get a good score today so I was pretty stoked with that," he said, before adding he was looking forward to Thursday's beep test and 3km time trial.
"My running ability is my strength – endurance and speed. I think I'm a natural ball-winner so moving forward this year has put a bit of versatility in my game so it has been a good learning curve."
Lucas said he was comfortable with the fact he would more than likely have to move to the other side of the country to pursue his dream of becoming an AFL player.
"I'm open-minded," he said. "Obviously staying home would make it easier to settle in. It's part of football and being a WA boy means a two in 16 chance you are going to stay home.
"You get your head around it pretty soon."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/85530/default.aspx
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Young gun Morabito showing all the Goodes
By Luke Holmesby | Thu 01 October, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/morabito_d_a.jpg)
ANTHONY Morabito is a virtual certainty to be taken high in November’s NAB AFL Draft.
So you would suspect he would be fine with being able to sit back and watch on as other players nervously test themselves in front of the 16 AFL clubs.
But the Peel Thunder teenager, who is still recovering from a quad injury sustained five weeks ago, says he is experiencing some frustration at not being able to show his wares at the NAB AFL Draft camp in Canberra.
“It does [frustrate me] actually," Morabito said.
"I want to impress in front of all the AFL clubs like everyone else is doing. It would be a good way to end the year.”
He certainly has not gone unnoticed, however, speaking in length to Fremantle, Melbourne and North Melbourne among others.
He said he has not given too much thought to his possible home for 2010.
“I don’t really want to think about it. The more you think about it the more it worries you to death", he said.
While most players would be desperate to stay in their home state, the tall midfielder has already experienced life outside his comfort zone having moved from home town Bunbury to Mandurah to play for Thunder and study commerce at university.
“I’m easy. I don’t really care. I get asked that question a lot and it is something you can’t control.”
The 190cm midfielder spent much of his junior career playing in key positions, but his WAFL career coincided with a move on the ball; a transition that has enhanced his draft prospects.
“I wasn’t one of the bigger bodied ones so I had to play in the midfield," he said.
"It’s really good, it gives you a different perspective on the game. You’re not leading up towards the play, you’re running towards the goal. I enjoy that a lot more.
The prospect of an athletic tall midfielder would be of tremendous interest to most clubs and Morabito has taken to the role seamlessly, even earning the nickname ‘Goodesy’ for his similarity in appearance and performance to dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes.
“I guess back in under-16s one of the boys thought I played and looked a bit like him. I got stuck with that.”
It’s not the worst comparison for an AFL recruit to carry.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/85568/default.aspx
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Bulldogs face big call
Jay Clark From: Herald Sun Fri Oct 02
IT SOUNDS ironic, but the player believed to be the best key forward in this year's draft could fall in the Western Bulldogs' lap.
Gippsland goalkicker John Butcher was considered a likely top-three pick as late as last month, but, in a sudden slide, he is likely to fall outside the top 10 in next month's national draft.
The Bulldogs have been in desperate need of a key forward over the past two seasons and will be faced with an intriguing decision of whether to select Butcher if he is still available when their first pick arrives at No. 15.
As the Dogs have all but secured Sydney discard Barry Hall, and have taken key-position players with their first-round picks in the past two drafts, they too, may pass him up.
Butcher, who has attracted comparisons to St Kilda big man Justin Koschitzke, has elite contested marking skills and is considered quick and agile for his height (197cm).
He kicked 30.18 in the TAC Cup this year but revealed yesterday he was was unhappy with his season, after an injury-ruined pre-season and quiet national championships.
"The year has been a little bit disappointing probably, but it didn't start the best because I had pre-season (hip) surgery," Butcher said.
"It sort of wrecked my whole pre-season and I just got back for Round 1 and it put me right behind the eight ball from the start.
"Some games I've been happy with, but there were others where I probably haven't contributed as much as I would have liked."
Butcher, 18, said he was unfazed by the scrutiny of him this season and in particular his set-shot goalkicking, which has attracted criticism.
"My goalkicking stats have come out better than last season and that's something I have been working hard on," he said.
"We have identified a few little deficiencies that hopefully will get ironed out."
Butcher has been followed closely during this week's draft camp in Canberra, with mystery surrounding where he will go in the draft order.
The self-confessed country boy has also overcome stress fractures in his back two years ago and said he was excited about the prospect of joining an AFL club.
"That's something I'm really looking forward to - a full and proper pre-season so I can hit the gym, which is something I haven't really done just yet," he said.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/bulldogs-face-big-call/story-e6frf9if-1225781845755
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Pair of country gems
Jay Clark | October 03, 2009 11:30pm
ALMOST every October, an AFL draft hopeful comes from the clouds. This year there are two of them.
Until mid-season, few recruiters would have taken any notice, or perhaps even heard of, Geelong Falcons backman Jo Dare and Peel Thunder key forward Aaron Black.
But with sizzling second halves to their seasons, the two quintessential country boys - who both missed the national championships - have gone from small blips on the AFL draft radar to a boom.
Black, who lays carpet for a living in Bunbury, is a powerful, 193cm goalkicker.
After kicking bags of six and seven majors in the wet in the WAFL Colts in June, he has soared into first-round calculations.
"I was a bit surprised." Black said.
"This time last year I wasn't even thinking about the AFL, and even when I got my first letter from an AFL club, I was very happy. But it seemed a bit far-fetched. A lot of eastern states clubs don't know too much about me."
The 188cm Dare, who milks cows most days on the family dairy farm near Colac, is top-30 material.
Even when he started to play well mid-year, it seemed he would still be overlooked, as his draft age was incorrectly listed in the TAC Cup record.
"People thought he was 17 and not eligible, until the mistake was spotted," said national talent manager Kevin Sheehan.
"He is just so beautifully composed when he has the ball and he has such strong hands. They were measured in the top 10 per cent of the draft camp - a typical dairy farmer, who's a really good, hard, tough kid."
Likewise, Black was elevated into the Thunder's seniors and quickly made his way into the team's best as a mobile ruckman.
He tested sensationally at the AFL draft camp. One recruiter said he was possibly the best key forward available.
http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/sport/afl/story/0,26547,26162095-5016212,00.html
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Morabito concedes AFL career could start outside Western Australia
Kim Hagdorn, chief football writer
October 03, 2009 06:30pm
WA'S most likely first draft pick, Anthony Morabito, has a burning preference to play from his home state, but concedes his AFL career could start elsewhere.
Morabito turns 18 later this month and is widely tipped to be taken by Fremantle if he survives Melbourne's first two choices and Richmond at No.3.
The dashing midfielder has been compared to Sydney Swans superstar Adam Goodes.
"That's the question that's being thrown at me at the moment, but I guess if I aspire to play in the AFL I'll have to get used to playing everywhere and tough out any situation that confronts me," he said.
"Moving over east I'd have to be mentally strong and hopefully that would show through in my football.
"But the transition through to life as an AFL footballer would naturally be better staying at home and playing for a club in WA ... but at the end of the day it's not really my decision."
Morabito and his manager, Colin Young, have told eastern states clubs he would prefer to stay at home.
Brilliant young rover Tom Scully appears certain to be Melbourne's first choice with its priority pick and classy South Australian Jack Trengove the Demons' next pick at two. Tough on-baller Dustin Martin looks likely to head to the Tigers with their first pick.
Morabito denied there had been any attempt to hinder any club potentially taking him at next month's draft.
"I wouldn't say we've tried to work around the process at all," he said.
"We've just been honest with them and said that we think I want to play my best footy. You can't manipulate the draft.
"You have to commit for two years and it's like anything once you get there, wherever that is, you just get on with it and see where it takes your life."
Morabito is expected to step straight into whichever club he joins from the beginning of next season.
He was a popular target among all clubs at this week's draft camp without undertaking the rigorous fitness and skills testing that 75 of the nation's finest teenagers endured for three days at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.
The Peel Thunder and All-Australian under-18s player is in the final stages of recovering from a thigh strain that has curtailed any training for six weeks.
Consultation with camp organisers and his Peel physiotherapist meant he did not participate in drills but still attended the camp, where he was carefully analysed by all 16 clubs.
He is a raging West Coast Eagles fan, along with his father, while his brother and mother are avid Fremantle supporters.
Morabito believes he can step straight into a gruelling AFL training program immediately after he is drafted late next month.
"I think so, after I've had a full league training program with Peel this year," he said. "That's like a mini apprenticeship, I guess.
"It's obviously not full-on AFL training and definitely not as regular at AFL level, but it's a good grounding and I'm definitely ready for what's in front of me."
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,26160056-5005401,00.html
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Melksham enjoys the best of both worlds
richmondfc.com.au
By Luke Holmesby | Fri 23 October, 2009
IT IS a battleground that has rarely seen compromise.
Recruiters and potential players have long had to wrestle with the problem of school football vs TAC Cup.
The Under 18s competition is the elite breeding ground for the AFL but private schools take great pride out of their long-term rivalries and want a return on six years worth of (largely tuition-free) schooling.
Jack Watts, Chris Judd and Luke Ball all spent barely any time in the TAC Cup because of school commitments but all were good enough to be taken in the first three picks of their respective years.
Other players tied to schools have a harder time standing out but Jake Melksham seems to have managed it well.
Melksham spent much of this year sharing his duties between TAC Cup side the Calder Cannons and his school side Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School in the AGS.
He said it can be easy to be overwhelmed by the many commitments but it was just a question of prioritising.
“You’ve just got to keep on top of your time management skills and keep organised. It is really important so it was pretty hard to go from one club to another if you weren’t organised so I made sure I kept on top of that,” Melksham said.
“You can still get a bit of a run around. The standard (of school football) is not as high but it’s just footy.”
Melksham had a stellar season and was exceptional in this year’s TAC Cup premiership for the Cannons, gaining 24 possessions and being awarded the TAC Medal for best on ground.
The award put the 18-year-old in exclusive company - AFL stars Anthony Rocca, Brent Harvey, Adam Goodes, Amon Buchanan, Brock McLean and Dale Thomas having won the medal in previous years.
It was far from Melksham’s only eye-catching game for the season. A strong finish to the year with the Calder Cannons had many experts tipping him to be a first-round selection.
He is as unsure as anyone about where he will go in the draft but he says he had plenty of interest from AFL clubs at the recent NAB AFL Draft Camp.
By the second day at the camp, Melksham had already spoken to Carlton, Geelong, the Western Bulldogs, Brisbane Lions and Richmond.
“Going by all the interviews, they were pretty much all the same. There were some interesting questions and some pretty basic ones as well. I think there was a little bit of interest there but nothing too specific,” he said.
Melksham had been preparing for the draft camp for months but says he was still surprised by the level of scrutiny on the young players.
“There were a lot of people in the gym while we were doing the testing," Melksham said.
"At the start I was getting pretty anxious and nervous but towards the end of it, once you got through it, it was pretty good.”
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86326/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: Brad Sheppard
afl.com.au
Tue 27 October, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20P-T/sheppard_bradley_draft_246a.jpg)
Height: 186cm
Weight: 78kg
DOB: 23/05/91
Recruited from: Wesley College
Bio: Rebounding defender with terrific ball-winning ability. Strong performer for WA at NAB AFL U18 Championships receiving All-Australian honours. Good user by both hand and foot
Matt Burgan's draft prediction: Pick 7-20
Watch Brad Sheppard in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50816/brad+sheppard+highlights/default.aspx (http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50816/brad+sheppard+highlights/default.aspx)
What type of player are you?
A running player with the ability to play half-back/half-forward and in the middle. I’ve just started to play in the midfield with East Fremantle.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Sam Fisher and Corey Enright because of their ability to set up a lot of run out of defence resulting in a lot of forward attacks.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
The ability to play on talls or smalls. I can run and carry the ball, have good skills, versatility and pace.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Opposite-side foot skills, sustained four quarter efforts and I want to keep working on my strength and fitness.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Fremantle because my family supported a WA team close to home.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
My dad, because he has always been a big part of my football life and coached my club team for five years. He gives me good constructive advice on how I could improve to become a better player.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86362/default.aspx
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Rebel pushes his cause
By Luke Holmesby | Wed 28 October, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20P-T/HooperAndrew246c.jpg)
DRAFT prospect Andrew Hooper is well aware that his size, 172cm and 78kg, is not what AFL recruiters generally are looking for.
So Hooper, who won the Larke Medal for best player at the NAB AFL Under 18 championships, was determined to prove his worth by attending last month's NAB AFL Draft Camp despite straining a calf two weeks earlier.
Potential top-five draft picks Tom Scully and Anthony Morabito sat out of the camp as they nursed injuries but Hooper knew he didn’t have that luxury.
“It was definitely important. For my size, I thought it was really important to do everything properly. I was happy to get myself right and hopefully I can be lucky enough to get picked up,” he said.
“There was a chance I’d miss out. They thought I wouldn’t be able to do it. I’ve done everything to prepare for it and did it well."
While Hooper, who played with the North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup, performed admirably at the camp and showed at the championships that he can win his own ball, the lifelong Richmond supporter is well aware that his size and shape may count against him in the end.
“It could. I can’t do anything about my height. You’ve got to have that ability to get the football and hopefully you’re lucky enough to get picked up. We’ll see what happens,” he said.
“My leadership’s pretty good, also my decision-making; running through packs and being an in and under player. I can kick both sides. We’ve always got improvement to do and I always focus on that.”
The 18-year-old still had plenty of interest at draft camp from AFL clubs, talking to Carlton, Adelaide and the Sydney Swans. He admits the whole draft camp experience was a bit overwhelming.
“It’s a fair bit to take in. I was a bit nervous to start with. When I got into it, it was pretty relaxing. You do your testing and relax and get on with the next thing you’ve got on.”
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86435/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: David Astbury
afl.com.au
Wed 28 October, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20A-E/Astbury_246a.jpg)
Height: 193cm
Weight: 79kg
DOB: 26/02/91
Recruited from: Tatyoon
Bio: Lead-up forward or defender with a great set of hands. Good pace and endurance for his size with sounds skills by both hand and foot. Vic Country U18 representative in 2009.
Matt Burgan's draft prediction: 30-50
Watch David Astbury in action: http://www.afl.com.au/vihttp://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50822/david+astbury+highlights/default.aspxdeo/tabid/76/default.aspx#VideoPlayerB (http://www.afl.com.au/vihttp://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50822/david+astbury+highlights/default.aspxdeo/tabid/76/default.aspx#VideoPlayerB)
What type of player are you?
An athletic and mobile tall who can play at either end of the ground. Predominantly a leading half-forward.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Nick Riewoldt because he's a hard-working half-forward who plays high up the ground similar to me when I play that position.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Athleticism, versatility, endurance and agility for a tall.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Strength and power off the mark (speed) and consistency.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Melbourne Demons. My father has supported them for his entire life and encouraged me to follow them too.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Jack Ziebell because he gave me an understanding of what is required at a more elite junior level and we trained together with great professionalism.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86432/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: Sam Reid
afl.com.au
Thu 29 October, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/AFL_Sam_Reid_246a.jpg)
Height: 192cm
Weight: 84kg
DOB: 27/12/91
Recruited from: Wangaratta
Bio: Versatile rebounding defender who provides plenty of run from defence. Athleticism, vertical leap and speed are strengths.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 12-45
Watch Sam Reid in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/default.aspx#VideoPlayerB (http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/default.aspx#VideoPlayerB)
What type of player are you?
Key position, athletic and versatile who can play a bit in the ruck if needed.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Nick Riewoldt as he is also a tall athletic player.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
My speed for my height and my vertical leap. As well as quick hands in close with handball.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
My endurance to cover as much of the ground as possible and also the ability to use my strengths.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Essendon because my brother did.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
My Dad. He always gives me tips and advice as he has been in football first hand and really with footy on and off the field.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86440/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: Daniel Talia
afl.com.au
Fri 30 October, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/AFL_MTD_Talia_246a.jpg)
Height: 194cm
Weight: 89kg
DOB: 02/10/91
Recruited from: Assumption College
Bio: Versatile key position player who can play well at either end of the ground. Clean hands and great endurance for his size are strengths. Vic Metro U18 representative in 2009, winning All-Australian honours.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 8-25
Watch Daniel Talia in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50819/daniel+talia+highlights/default.aspx (http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50819/daniel+talia+highlights/default.aspx)
What type of player are you?
I am an agile, hard working, key position tall. I play forward and down back and I think I’m quite versatile. I’m a team player and I always try to do my best for my role in a team.
Which AFL player do you resemble, and why?
I think I resemble Nick Riewoldt because he is a hard working CHF, he has similar build to myself and he played CHB as a junior in the under 18 championship. I aspire to be as good as he is.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
My strengths as a footballer are my work rate (endurance), my versatility and my discipline in training and preparation.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
I would like to improve my kicking, my core strength and speed off the mark.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
I support Carlton. I have barracked for them since I was 4 years old and I came to support them as I liked the Carlton jumper at that age. From then on I have supported them.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
My grandfather, Harvey Stevens. Harvey played for the Bulldogs '54 premiership side. He always talks to me about footy and comes to watch me play. Harvey grew up without parents, supporting a family from the age of 13. He is an absolute inspiration to me.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86540/default.aspx
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One giant leap - Majak Daw
October 31, 2009
(http://www.realfooty.com.au/ffximage/2009/10/31/300_daw_311009.jpg)
EUGENE Arocca recognises there is something of a poker game at play over a young man who, while clearly not the standout, is arguably the most tantalising prospect on the football world's radar ahead of next month's AFL national draft. When the hands are laid out on the table on November 26, the game could change forever.
Footy is yet to get a night grand final, but the first night draft might take the game somewhere it has never been. The possibility that an African-born player will be on a senior AFL list in 2010 — which even a few months ago was remote at best — is now very real indeed.
Majak Daw is a name Arocca has become increasingly familiar with, and North Melbourne's chief executive knows he isn't alone. In other football club offices, heads are being scratched and the same questions pondered. Should we take the punt? And — knowing the gateway to a whole new audience of players, fans and members that will come crashing open — can we afford to let someone else get in first?
"Majak is on our radar. Our recruiting people have spoken to him and about him and are fully aware of his talent — raw as it is — with plenty of upside," Arocca said this week.
The AFL's veteran guru of teen talent, Kevin Sheehan, saw enough of Daw's improvement in his second TAC Cup season with the Western Jets to rate that upside highly. "At 194 centimetres, with his speed, his leap, his natural athletic ability, and his potential size ... in a professional environment, you'd have a wonderful athlete in two years."
The Western Bulldogs see it too, recruiting manager Simon Dalrymple recalling a five-goal haul in mid-August against Murray Bushrangers as a landmark day in Daw's development. "He was outstanding, very exciting. That promoted him from being sort of on our list to, 'Gee, we've really got to monitor this kid'."
Dogs' football manager James Fantasia cautions that, with only four picks on draft night, a rookie-list berth might be a more realistic outcome. Yet come December, he might not still be around to take; Essendon, an acknowledged trailblazer in new football frontiers, also has an eye cocked in his direction.
A draft the experts rate as pretty much a stab in the dark beyond the first round of selections won't hurt Daw's chances. "It's very open, so one club's interpretation might be completely different to another's pretty much after the first 15," Dalrymple says. Arocca predicts that, this year more than ever at Arden Street, there will be as much debate over who North takes with its last pick as its first.
That AFL clubs are even having this conversation represents progress of unforeseen speed. Yet it is only commensurate with the story of the young man at its heart.
Majak Daw was born in Sudan and spent his childhood in the capital, Khartoum. After three years in Egypt, the family arrived in Melbourne in 2003. Now 18, it is just four footy seasons ago that Majak first put boot to Sherrin. He rated his early efforts to grasp the game "pathetic".
Yet he liked the sense of belonging football gave him, and soon began to feel part of the game as well as the team. Fantasia notes his humility and impressive qualities as a person, Sheehan his disciple and focus, and eagerness "to forge new ground for the African people by making the grade in the AFL".
Those who know him want only the best for him. Joey Halloran, a friend and Western Jets teammate, uploaded more than four minutes of highlights of Daw's 2009 season onto YouTube. When an internet poster scoffed that he was "overrated", a poor man's Nic Naitanui, he was howled down by a stream of responses with the same message: "I hope he comes to my club!"
Among the examples of his spring-heeled leap, deft tapwork in the ruck, surprisingly smooth kicking, contested marking and tackling sit two moments that stayed with Sheehan. Coming in a curtain-raiser to a Werribee-Geelong VFL game in front of a decent crowd at Chirnside Park, they underscored the instant following Daw would bring.
"It was against the Geelong Falcons, and he took the mark of the day and kicked the goal of the day," Sheehan said. "He's taken a grab and just about got a standing ovation, then a bit later he took two bounces and kicked a goal from outside 50.
"There were quite a few locals there, and they left no doubt who they were there to watch. They absolutely roared when he went near the ball."
Sheehan asked him to attend state screening of young footballers who were not invited to the draft camp earlier this month, and Daw was a standout. His 70-centimetre standing vertical jump would have put him third at the main camp in Canberra. In the beep test, the "mean" for tall forwards was 12.9, the best tall forward in Canberra 13.3. Daw managed 13.6.
His 20-metre sprint result of 3.03 seconds was also faster than the mean for tall forwards at the draft camp. Not actually being at the Australian Institute of Sport with the invited elite should not harm his chances; Sheehan notes that 20 players were drafted out of state screens last year, "so they do get up from there".
While the Bulldogs have a territorial tie to the Wyndham Vale teenager, and the Bombers have seen the broader benefits of drafting the AFL's first devout Muslim in Bachar Houli, North Melbourne is perhaps the most compelling fit. On Monday, November 23, the Roos will open the doors to their new Learning and Life Centre, a key plank in the Arden Street redevelopment that will have a strong multicultural focus. Three nights later, they could slip a blue-and-white-striped guernsey onto the perfect poster boy.
Arocca chooses his words carefully, and stresses romance cannot influence what must remain a football decision. "We would never use it as a stunt, we would never rookie or pick him purely because of his African background. At the end of the day, what he can do for his community will only be enhanced if he's able to play AFL football."
With his next breath, he betrays the tightrope being straddled. "Having said that, we have made a very bold and clear statement about our commitment to the multicultural community. We happen to sit in an area rich with people from different multicultural backgrounds, and we would certainly not ignore that when considering his raw talent."
His football department staff, Arocca says, need only look around the offices they work in to see how important that community is to North Melbourne, a club that covets new disciples more than most. "I defer to them," he says, "but I have absolute faith in their capacity to understand what we need, and what this club is all about."
If the Bulldogs — whose heartland the Daws adopted and whose colours the family wore when hosted by the AFL in week two of the finals — are the other most logical suitor, the draft order plays to the Kangaroos' advantage. They have six picks, while the Dogs have only four, and certainly would not use either of their first two. Come the last two, he might already be gone; North's last selection is pick 53.
The Roos are far better placed to deal with the challenge presented by someone who has much to learn. Two years ago, the club employed only one specialist development coach. This season there were two, who will be joined by a third next year. So long sniffed at for its nissen huts and conditions from a bygone age, Arden Street in 2010 will be up with the best footy schools in the business.
In an interview with The Age in 2005, AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said he had no doubt an African player would soon appear at the elite level, and tipped the history-maker would be Somalian. As North's football manager Donald McDonald says, it doesn't matter where he comes from — or for that matter which club takes the punt — the game simply needs to find more players.
"The bigger picture is it doesn't matter if it's us or the Bulldogs or the Bombers, it's just great for the game," McDonald says. "Yeah, it'd be fantastic for us to be there first, but hopefully he's got a fair few mates and he provides an example for all the other kids to say, 'Jeez, I'm going to follow in his footsteps.' "
For David Matthews, head of the AFL's game development arm, the essence of the tale is that those "other kids" draw from football the feeling Daw had four years ago — that they belong. "What's great about this story is it looks like there's going to be a talent outcome, but the reason is because he feels very much that footy's engaged him and involved him," Matthews says. "You see the friends he's developed, they're kids who in another generation wouldn't have even met a Sudanese person."
Majak Daw has had a welcome distraction from daydreams of what might be. The third-oldest of nine, he escaped home for Mackillop College this week to study, sat the first of his VCE final exams yesterday, and was happy to report he hadn't been too stressed by all that is on his plate.
He is hoping for high enough marks to study broadcast journalism, but the realisation that he could be offered a job making the news rather than covering it is starting to hit home. "I haven't found words to describe what it would mean," he says. "It would be the most wonderful thing that's happened so far."
He can see the bigger picture, the door that would be opened to other young men for whom football is as foreign as Australia once was to him. And he is comfortable with the idea of being the one who kick-starts the revolution.
"I reckon I've got a bit of a chance, but I'll wait and see. If it happens, I'm happy to be the first Sudanese to play AFL."
http://www.realfooty.com.au/articles/2009/10/30/1256835153144.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
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Meet the draftees: James Craig
afl.com.au
Sat 31 October, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/AFL_MTD_Craig_246a.jpg)
Height: 195cm
Weight: 91kg
DOB: 18/04/91
Recruited from: Fitzroy
Bio: The dominant ruckman at the NAB AFL under-18 Championships for South Australia, earning All-Australian selection. Tap work at clearances is a feature of his game, as is contested marking.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 18-late
Watch James Craig in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50817/james+craig+highlights/default.aspx (http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50817/james+craig+highlights/default.aspx)
What type of player are you?
I am an athletic-type ruck / key position.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Matthew Kreuzer. His follow-up efforts after a contest and ability to be a dangerous player around the ground.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Competitiveness and my attitude to all challenges.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Marking and finding more of the footy around the ground.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
I support the Adelaide Crows. I support them because most of my family have supported them.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Craig Brooks - he was my junior coach at North Adelaide for four years. He taught me the importance of second efforts and one percenters.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86546/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: Nathan Vardy
afl.com.au
Sun 01 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/AFL_MTD_Vardy_246b.jpg)
Height: 198cm
Weight: 89kg
DOB: 25/06/91
Recruited from: Allies
Bio: Agile ruckman with excellent foot skills for his size. Ultra-competitive and very strong overhead. Tap work at clearances is a distinct strength. Vic Country U18 representative in 2009.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 8-25
Watch Nathan Vardy in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50820/nathan+vardy+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
Mobile ruckman and forward.
Which AFL player do you resemble, and why?
Paddy Ryder, because I feel I have similar athletic attributes.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Work rate, strong mark, efficient kick, team player.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Speed off the mark, body strength.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Carlton, because my father barracks for them.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Family, because they are the most critical but also the most supportive.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86547/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: Andrew Hooper
afl.com.au
Mon 02 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/Hooper_Andrew_246a.jpg)
Height: 172cm
Weight: 78kg
DOB: 18/01/91
Recruited from: Golden Point (VIC)
Bio: Attacking midfielder/defender who wins his own football consistently. Starred for Vic Country at NAB AFL U18 Championships, averaging 21 disposals, including nine contested. Joint Larke Medal winner and U18 All-Australian.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 20-rookie list (http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=86148)
Watch Andrew Hooper in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50818/andrew+hooper+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
I am an inside player that gets in and under but also an outside player that receives and runs and carries and breaks the lines. I'm also pretty quick for my size, use the ball well and love the contested ball.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble and why?
Brent Harvey. He's exactly the same size as me, just finds space and his decision making is second to none. He is also a little tough nut who likes the hard ball.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Decision making, leadership, speed, skills, preparation.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
My endurance, but I have been working on it through the year with extra sessions.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Richmond. I went to my first game when I was three years old and before the game I liked the mascot running around and ever since I have supported Richmond.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far and why?
Mum and Dad, because they have supported me all the way through my football career and they're always honest with me with what I have done well and what I have to do to improve after every game.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86559/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: Travis Colyer
afl.com.au
Tue 03 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/23.COLYER-Travis_draft_246a.jpg)
Height: 175cm
Weight: 73kg
DOB: 24/8/91
Recruited from: Trinity College
Bio: Attacking midfielder with a good turn of speed and tremendous poise in traffic. Strong performer for Western Australia at NAB AFL U18 Championships, winning All-Australian honours.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 15-40
Watch Travis Colyer in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50937/travis+colyer+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
A hard-working, outside midfielder who can run and carry the ball with extreme pace and speed, but who can also win the ball on the inside (contested). Also someone who can push forward and find the goals.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Chris Judd - his explosive pace off the mark, work ethic, level of skill and confidence to take the game on and change it with his ability.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Work ethic, ability to run and carry (breaking lines and taking the game on), ability to win and find the ball (contested and uncontested), general skills and ability to find the goals and kick goals from the midfield and up forward.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Defensive and physical pressure, kicking on the run at full pace (slowing down, steadying and raising my vision).
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
West Coast Eagles - as a child growing up supporting them as a Western Australian AFL team and following some of the great players to play for them. Followed who my family supported.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
My dad. He has always supported anything I've done and with sport being a large focus in our family football was the most common winter sport. If there was anything wrong with football I could talk to him about it and gain advice.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86574/default.aspx
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Wanganeen relying on talent, not name, at draft
afl.com.au
By Katrina Gill | Wed 04 November, 2009
WHEN people meet Port Lincoln teenager Derick Wanganeen for the first time there’s always one question they’re dying to ask…‘are you related to Gavin?’
For the record the answer is yes, but only distantly.
In fact, the pair has never met.
Wanganeen, 18, also has family ties to dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes; Sydney Swans’ games record holder Michael O’Loughlin and Adelaide defender Graham Johncock.
But it’s his famous surname that’s brought the South Australian draft hopeful the most attention.
“Gavin and I are related somewhere down the track. I don’t know where. It’s hard to keep track of… my dad knows,” Wanganeen told afl.com.au.
“I’ve seen Gavin around a few times, but he probably wouldn’t know who I am.”
Wanganeen, who plays for the same SANFL club as his Brownlow Medal-winning namesake, the Port Adelaide Magpies, is hoping to track further in Gavin’s footsteps by being picked up in the NAB AFL Draft this month.
The lightly-framed wingman relocated to Adelaide at the start of the year to pursue his dream of having an AFL career.
He kicked 12 goals in 16 games with the Magpies’ U18s and was selected to represent South Australia in the U18 National Championships.
Wanganeen starred in the Croweaters’ win over Vic Country at AAMI Stadium, but struggled for consistency as his mind drifted to his mother’s ill health.
“My season was up and down. I started the season off slowly, but by the time the U18 championships came around I was going pretty well,” he said.
“Halfway through the championships my mum, who was back in Port Lincoln, got sick and not long after the champs she passed away. I started playing ordinary footy because I was missing my family and being back home at a pretty tough time.”
Wanganeen flew back to Port Lincoln for his mother’s funeral, but was able to return to Adelaide to finish the season with the Magpies.
He was invited to attend October’s NAB AFL Draft Camp but opted to stay in SA to prepare for the U18s grand final against Glenelg.
Wanganeen was the equal-shortest player (172cm) to be invited to the draft camp and hails from the famous football breeding ground of Mallee Park.
North Melbourne duo Daniel Wells and Lindsay Thomas, Carlton livewire Eddie Betts, Johncock, North Smith Medallist Byron Pickett and Wanganeen’s idol and new Hawthorn recruit, Shaun Burgoyne, all played junior footy for the Peckers.
Wanganeen said the success of such players had provided him with motivation for his own career.
“I grew up watching Lindsay and Graham play. I remember wanting to be like them,” he said.
“All those boys come from the same town and the same club as me and it made me think, if they can do it, well so can I.”
Wanganeen has been touted as a prospective second or third-round pick in the November 26 draft and has already been interviewed by North Melbourne and West Coast.
He said he was willing to move anywhere for an opportunity to play AFL football.
“I hope it happens for me. It’s out of my hands, but getting drafted has been my dream since I was a little kid.”
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86604/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: Josh Thomas
afl.com.au
Wed 04 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/22.THOMAS-Josh_draft_246a.jpg)
Height: 178cm
Weight: 70kg
DOB: 01/10/91
Recruited from: Broadbeach
Bio: Classy midfielder who wins plenty of contested ball. Pace, clean hands and sharp kicking skills on both sides of his body are all features of his game. Queensland U18 representative in 2009.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 20-60
Watch Josh Thomas in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50949/josh+thomas+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
Predominantly an inside midfielder, I like to win the ball at stoppages and in traffic. I also like to find space and use my skill.
Which AFL player do you resemble, and why?
Trent Cotchin, wins it in and under, has clean hands and awareness. Also finds space and uses it well. Brings others into the game.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Clean hands, awareness and skills.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Develop elite endurance, have more confidence to run and carry, work forward of the ball more to kick goals.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Brisbane, I live in Brisbane.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Dad, he loves his footy and has supported me from my first game.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86576/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: Aaron Black
afl.com.au
Thu 05 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/21.BLACK-Aaron_draft_246a.jpg)
Height: 193cm
Weight: 78kg
DOB: 29/11/90
Recruited from: Kingsley (WA)
Bio: Athletic key forward whose excellent hands are a feature. Agility and awareness are also strengths. Western Australia U18 representative in 2009.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 10-25
Watch Aaron Black in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50939/aaron+black+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
I feel I am a versatile player as I can play in a number of different positions. I am a positive, team player.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Paddy Ryder, as he is a versatile and athletic player.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
My marking, reading of the play, athleticism, hard work ethic and kicking on opposite foot (left).
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
My physical strength and fitness.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them
I support West Coast as all my family members do.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
My dad. He has always encouraged me and been positive about my football. He has taught me most things I know about football from a young age.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86577/default.aspx
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Nothing average about Joe Dare
Sam Edmund | Herald Sun | November 06, 2009
SIX months ago Joe Dare was convinced his future lay as a dairy farmer.
It was the lifestyle he'd quit school after Year 11 to pursue; the lifestyle the middle son of Robyn and Dennis's five boys loved.
Then came football, a growth spurt and a rise to prominence so fast it has left not only his head spinning, but also those of AFL recruiters.
The rangy Geelong Falcons defender from Nalangil, outside Colac, has gone from an underdeveloped face in the crowd to a possible top 30 draft pick on November 26 after a dream season in the TAC Cup.
But, perhaps in a sign of how quickly his life has changed, Dare refuses to believe he is guaranteed anything on draft day.
And, while most kids who miss out are shattered when the years of hard work and dedication are not rewarded, 18-year-old Dare smiles at the thought of milking cows, ploughing paddocks and cutting silage as a second prize.
Clearly, this is not your average Joe.
"When you're younger, every kid says they're going to play AFL," Dare said.
"But because I was late developing and late growing, the maths didn't add up when you consider only about five Falcons get drafted each year.
"I could pick 20 kids who were better than me at under-15 and under-16 level. Back then, and even through this year, I was just playing footy because I like it. I wasn't playing to impress anyone.
"Then things sort of changed a bit."
The moment things changed for the 188cm, 81kg backman can be traced to the afternoon of July 18 - the day club scouts finally became aware he was 18 and not 17.
Dare had been in sparkling form all season, but recruiters had been put off because his age was incorrectly listed in the AFL Victoria Record.
"A couple of recruiters said, 'Isn't it a pity Joe Dare is 17 and only available to the Gold Coast?'," Falcons regional manager Michael Turner said.
"We were playing down in Oakleigh against the Chargers and (Swans recruiter) Kinnear Beatson came over and made the comment at the three-quarter time break, and I said, 'Well that's wrong, Kinnear, he's actually top age'.
"It's just Joe's laid-back attitude. We tell the kids to check all the details we have in the footy record that are in there every week and it just slipped through."
Dare is your typical unaffected country lad, but it was the birthdate error that caused his father, Dennis, to claim he might be too laid-back for his own good.
"I was just happy to get a game in Round 1 up in Bendigo and my Mum and I noticed they had my birthdate at 17/10/92 and not 17/10/91," Dare said.
"We didn't say anything. I didn't want to cause any trouble for anyone to have to change it, so I let it go and every week it was the same in every Record."
The laid-back approach extended to his choice of footwear as well, with Dare lucky to escape more serious punishment after turning up to an away game against Gippsland in Round 11 wearing Ugg boots.
"We had a big bus trip (to Morwell) and we had to be on the bus at 7am and I wore Ugg boots," Dare said.
"I had Ugg boots with a hole in them and Mick (Turner) wasn't happy. A couple of weeks before that I'd had a couple of reasonable games, and the boys thought I would have copped a bigger spray and been dropped if that hadn't happened.
"Then at the Oakleigh game (Round 15) I accidentally wore them again.
"I was walking from the car and I've seen Mick looking at my feet as I walked to the rooms, and I thought, 'Oh s--t'."
Coincidentally, the Ugg boot-wearing games were his best of the year in a season Turner admitted had exceeded all expectations.
Dare had made the Falcons squad in 2008, but missed the first 10 weeks after copping a knee in an already sore back in a practice match.
Underdeveloped and unable to get back in the team, he played the last nine games of the season for local club Colac and won the under-18 best-and-fairest.
But in his own words, an AFL career was nowhere on his horizon.
Then he grew 10cm in six months, setting the scene for the breakout 2009 season.
Dare won the Falcons' best-and-fairest this month, edging out midfielder Zach Ledin and utility Ben Cunnington, rated by many as a top-five draft prospect.
"I don't think Joe ever viewed himself as an AFL player," Turner said.
"At 15, 16, 17, he was very underdeveloped, but he grew a lot and matured.
"His dad was probably sitting back thinking he was going to get a bit more help with Joe taking on more at the farm, but I said that Plan B has come into effect and he better have a decent crack at footy.
"He's got a great attitude, wins his own footy, he's a fantastic decision-maker with good skills and he can really set up the play."
Several clubs agree, with Dare having his share of interviews, even though his upfront and blunt approach initially caught Collingwood representatives slightly off guard.
Magpies officials asked Dare how he would feel if he were drafted by the club, only for the teenager to respond with words to the effect of: "You either love Collingwood or hate Collingwood, and I barrack for Essendon, so you know where I sit."
Reminded of the interview this week, Dare laughed: "I then said that every footy club is full of good blokes and that's just the hat the public put on them.
"So that sort of smoothed it over."
He will know in less than three weeks whether an AFL club takes his life in a dramatic new direction.
But for now, any mention of the prospect is greeted with "if" not "when", and a heck of a lot of work at the Nalangil dairy farm.
"Dad just tells me to give footy your best shot because the farm is always going to be here at the end of the day," Dare said.
"Whether that's November 26, two years from now or even later, I'm going to do this in the end, I think."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nothing-average-about-joe-dare/story-e6frf9if-1225794832540
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Meet the draftees: John Butcher
afl.com.au
Fri 06 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/20.BUTCHER-John_draft_246a.jpg)
Height: 197cm
Weight: 84kg
DOB: 03/07/91
Recruited from: Maffra
Bio: Versatile key position prospect with great agility, pace and endurance for his size. Clean hands and contested marking are features of his game. Vic Country U18 representative in 2008/09 and an AIS-AFL Academy graduate.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 5-20
Watch John Butcher in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50940/john+butcher+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
Tall key-position forward. Leading forward that is quick and agile for size.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Kurt Tippett / Nick Riewoldt - tall leading forwards that are agile and have good ball handling on the ground.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Pace and agility for height. Marking. Team focus.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Work rate - endurance. Strength. Consistency.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
St Kilda - family have supported them.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Wayne Butcher (father) - introduced me to footy at a young age and taught me how to play. Supported me and has given me tips throughout my career.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86578/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: Jake Carlisle
afl.com.au
Sat 07 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/19.CARLISLE-Jake_draft_246c.jpg)
Height: 196cm
Weight: 83kg
DOB: 01/10/91
Recruited from: Craigieburn
Bio: Can play a variety of roles effectively. Strong hands, nice foot skills and an ability to read the play well are highlights of his game. Vic Metro U18 representative in 2009.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 5-20
Watch Jake Carlisle in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50941/jake+carlisle+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
Key-position, versatile player. Competitive, good reader of the game who gives a contest at all times.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Nick Riewoldt because he is a courageous, hard-working footballer who plays in the same position as I do. He constantly runs and demands the footy.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Marking, kicking for goal, presenting, good hand and foot skills.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Ground ball skills, below the knees, consistency, speed over 20 metres and agility.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Western Bulldogs as both grandfathers barrack for them.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
My parents for their patience and understanding in driving me around and over the last 12 months Marty Allison / Ian Kyte from the Cannons who made me believe in myself and my ability to become a better footballer - I have learned a lot.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86653/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: Ben Griffiths
afl.com.au
Sun 08 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/18.GRIFFITHS-Ben_draft_246c.jpg)
Height: 198cm
Weight: 99kg
DOB: 17/09/91
Recruited from: Blackburn (VIC)
Bio: Rarely beaten in the air, has quick with clean hands below his knees and is an exceptional long kick for goal. Vic Metro U18 representative in 2009.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 10-35
Watch Ben Griffiths in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50942/benjamin+griffiths+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
A tall key forward who provides a good option on the lead and good below the knees.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Justin Koschitzke, because I'm big, athletic and try to break the packs similar to the way he breaks them, and I'm a pretty good mark.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
I would say my cleanness below my knees, my kicking, and I'm pretty quick over the ground.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
I really want to improve my endurance and agility for getting through traffic.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
I follow Hawthorn, I came about this because my mum goes for them and so does her whole family.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Wayne McCraw, ex-Eastern Ranges coach. He showed a lot of faith in me in under-16s when I wasn't sure about whether to play footy or not. He gave me a lot of advice about my game and really helped me develop.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86654/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: Matthew Panos
afl.com.au
Mon 09 November, 2009
Height: 192cm
Weight: 85kg
DOB: 25/01/91
Recruited from: Rostrevor College
Bio: Possesses good hands and is strong on the lead. Kicked 14 goals at the NAB AFL U18 Championships for South Australia, earning All-Australian honours. Noted for his accuracy in front of goal.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 15-rookie
Watch Matthew Panos in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/51006/matthew+panos+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
I am a forward who likes to lead up to the ball. Take contested marks and bring other teammates into the game.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Matthew Lloyd because we both have similar assets which include a good mark on the lead and accurate goal kicking.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Marking on the lead, accurate kicking for goal, good groundball skills.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Tackling, work rate, defensive pressure, second and third efforts.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Essendon. I have been barracking for them since I was in year one in 1997. I liked the way Matthew Lloyd played.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
My family have been a big influence on my career because they have always supported me through good and bad times. Nathan Bassett has taught me a lot about positioning, work rate and what strategies I can use to beat my opponent.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86655/default.aspx
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Picks of the draft: Andrew Moore
Emma Quayle
November 10, 2009
FROM: Yarra Valley Grammar and the Eastern Ranges. Played for Vic Metro in the under-18 championships.
THE NUMBERS: Born May 30, 1991. 189cm, 86kg.
THE LOWDOWN: Moore looks good in a number of spots - as a high forward (think Ryan O'Keefe) or as a smart backman (a la Andy Otten). He has definite midfield potential, too. His key attributes are his clean, crisp hands - he's a great mark - and his sharp decision-making. He usually does the right thing.
RUNNING AND JUMPING: Moore ran a 2.7 20-metre sprint at draft camp, as well as the best right-foot running jump (85cm). He did a level 14.1 beep test and ran the three-kilometre time trial in 10 minutes, 43 seconds.
WHO WANTS HIM? The Bombers have some interest, and the Crows are thought to be very keen. It's hard to see him getting through the first round.
IRRELEVANT YET INTERESTING FACT: Andrew grew up a Melbourne fan - until his older brother Kel was rookie-listed by Richmond.
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A MOVIE? Dustin Hoffman. Mr Versatility.
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfnews/picks-of-the-draft-andrew-moore/2009/11/09/1257615001620.html
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Meet the draftees: Troy Taylor
afl.com.au
Tue 10 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/Taylor_246a_proper.jpg)
Height: 188cm
Weight: 75kg
DOB: 12/09/91
Recruited from: South Alice Springs
Bio: Agile footballer with clean skills by hand and foot. Second efforts, ball-winning ability and marking are also features of his game. Northern Territory U18 representative in 2009.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 8-25
Watch Troy Taylor in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50986/troy+taylor+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
Physical and strong.
Which AFL player do you resemble, and why?
Daryl White and Jared Brennan, I feel I have the skills that they have.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Marking, jumping, kicking and a team player.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Fitness
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
St. Kilda, because my father barracks for them.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Mum, coaches, team members and uncles. They have supported me mentally and have been positive at all times.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86656/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: Jesse Crichton
afl.com.au
Wed 11 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/15.CRICHTON-Jesse_draft_246b.jpg)
Height: 183cm
Weight: 66kg
DOB: 18/06/91
Recruited from: North Launceston
Bio: Creative playmaker who has instinctive ability to find space in traffic. Ultra competitive with exceptional vision and awareness. Wins his own footy in the air and at ground level. Tasmania U18 representative in 2008/09. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 12-30
Watch Jesse Crichton in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/51007/jesse+crichton+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
An outside player that likes to play inside as well.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Lenny Hayes - really good player, good tackler, good skills and a good leader.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
I think I'm a good outside player and I like to play inside as well. Hard runner, good skills and tackling for my size.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Kicking longer, fitness and being a leader.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
St Kilda because my grandparents barracked for them.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Parents - really supportive, always taken me to games, training and lots of travel.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86657/default.aspx
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Meet the draftees: Jordan Gysberts
afl.com.au
Thu 12 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/14.GYSBERTS-Jordan_draft_246a.jpg)
Height: 188cm
Weight: 83kg
DOB: 11/06/91
Recruited from: Yarra Valley Grammar
Bio: Smart midfielder who wins plenty of his own ball. Rarely fumbles and uses the ball effectively by both hand and foot. Can go forward and kick goals. Vic Metro U18 representative in 2008/09. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 12-30
Watch Jordan Gysberts in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50958/jordan+gysberts+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
Inside midfielder who can play forward and back.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Jack Grimes because he's clean and makes good decisions with the ball.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Clean, bodylining the ball, handballing, kicking
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Run and carry, fitness and speed.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Collingwood - family.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Brother - saw him as my role model growing up.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86658/default.aspx
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Jaryd Cachia no certainty after scaling great heights
Jon Anderson | Herald Sun November 13, 2009
TWO years ago Jaryd Cachia sat atop his teenage footballing world, co-captain of the Victoria Metro under-16 team alongside Tom Scully.
Two years on and Scully is likely to be the No. 1 or No. 2 pick in the national draft on November 26, and Cachia?
Well, he's like 40 or 50 other teenage boys, desperately hoping his name is called out by a club, any club.
To play AFL has been his dream since he understood the caper, which in his case was young given his grandfather Terry Benton played 77 games for North Melbourne in the No. 23 jumper between 1963-69.
The 18-year-old proved just how tough he was this year after perforating an eardrum in Round 2 of the TAC Cup playing for the Northern Knights.
Not wanting to diminish his chances of Metro selection, he taped his ears and played the following week, picking up 38 possessions as a midfielder against Sandringham Dragons. But it meant nothing when it came to state selection.
Cachia, a Year 12 student at St Kevin's, was shattered.
He admitted as much yesterday.
"To co-captain that under-16 Vic Metro side with Tom Scully is my biggest honour to date, but doesn't mean anything when it comes to the draft and I know that," said Cachia, who is 184cm and weighs 83kg.
"I first met Tom in a Victorian under-12 primary school team that played up in Cairns along with kids like Steele Sidebottom, Jack Ziebell, Jack Watts, Daniel Talia and Daniel Hannebery.
"Being in those teams when you are young was great and then this year I didn't get an invitation to the Vic under-18 Metro team for the national championships. I was told I wasn't a good enough kick.
"I don't think the coach liked me that much as a player and there were some very good midfielders. But I don't think my kicking is that bad. If there is a target I hit it.
"My coach this year at Northern Knights, Denis Pagan, told me at the end of the season one selector said maybe they should have picked me. Denis was very good for me.
"My left side needs work. And I have always been told I was a bit slow so I got a running coach and ran 2.96 seconds for 20m at state screening recently. In the beep test I got a 13.12."
Like most in his position, Cachia has spoken with a couple of clubs and will play anywhere.
And if it doesn't happen then he will play VFL with Northern Bullants.
get his head around the fact it may not happen.
"I think about it a fair bit and people ask you every day. I just say I'm playing a waiting game because most don't realise how hard it is and just what is involved," Cachia said.
If form means anything then Cachia should be right in the draft mix given he finished third in St Kevin's premiership team's best-and-fairest behind Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore, and fifth for the Knights despite playing only 10 games.
It just depends how much clubs want a really hard in-and-under stoppage king who tackles like a demon and does what he's told.
AFL national talent manager Kevin Sheehan sums him up thus: "Jaryd Cachia has enough tools to get himself on an AFL list, of that I have no doubt."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jaryd-cachia-no-certainty-after-scaling-great-heights/story-e6frf9jf-1225797110740
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Meet the draftees: Jake Melksham
richmondfc.com.au
Sat 14 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/12.MELKSHAM-Jake_draft_246a.jpg)
Height: 182cm
Weight: 69kg
DOB: 29/8/91
Recruited from: PEGS
Bio: Well balanced with tremendous ball-winning ability. Strong and hard at stoppages with clean skills by hand and foot. Can play both inside and outside. Vic Metro U18 representative in 2009. AIS/AFL Academy graduate.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 8-20
Watch Jake Melksham in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50966/jake+melksham+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
Hard and courageous. Very competitive and also believe in my skills and ability.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Lenny Hayes because he is hard and has good skills but is not overly quick.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Ball winning ability, devision making and marking ability.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Goal kicking, disposal and consistency.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
North Melbourne. My mum barracks for them.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Alan McConnell. He is a great coach and teacher. He makes things simple and easy to understand.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86660/default.aspx
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Fitzpatrick is all ears on draft news on his graduation night
Brent Diamond | November 15, 2009
AFL draft hopeful Jack Fitzpatrick will have one ear tuned discreetly to a radio at his college graduation ceremony at Mooney Valley racecourse on Thursday, November 26. And he won't be the only one.
Mackillop College in Werribee has scheduled its graduation on the same night as the AFL national draft and Fitzpatrick, along with schoolmates and other Western Jets draft hopefuls Majak Daw, Joey Halloran, Jesse Fortune and Dion Lawson, are anticipating a nervous night. The plan is to smuggle in a radio, but don't tell the principal.
"It's going to be an interesting night because you don't want to miss out on your school graduation," Fitzpatrick told The Sunday Age. "But at every opportunity I'll be listening to the little portable radio. It will be a nerve-racking night."
Fitzpatrick, 18 and 201 centimetres, has had a testing few years on the football front. He professed to struggling at the national under-18 championships, and was then sidelined by a thumb injury.
But Fitzpatrick had had plenty of practice in coping with challenges and is into his fifth year in an ongoing battle with chronic fatigue syndrome - an illness he now believes he has under control.
Just four years ago, Fitzpatrick was limited to 20-minute walks at football training and battled through several crashes that confined him to bed for two to three weeks at a time.
He sought advice from former Brisbane Lions premiership player Alastair Lynch, one of his childhood role models who also battled the syndrome. "Seeing someone play AFL and play it very well with chronic fatigue syndrome was really inspiring," Fitzpatrick said.
Lynch said he had told Fitzpatrick about his experiences during his career. "It [the syndrome] hampered my athleticism early on," Lynch said. "Once I sort of got my health back, it was about understanding what is really needed for my body, nutritionally, recovery wise, preparation for events and I trained a lot different than what I did prior to the illness.
"Once I learnt how to monitor my body - with the support of the club as well - I could maintain a level that was good enough to stay out on the field," he said.
Lynch said he was an admirer of Fitzpatrick. "He's powerful and quick off the mark. He's tall and athletic," Lynch said. "I haven't seen a lot of him this year, but certainly there's been some big raps on him.
"He has the athleticism to play a lot of football."
Fitzpatrick, a fanatical Hawks fan, said he had managed the condition successfully and was now "close" to performing the same tasks at training as his teammates.
He said he had to make sure he "gets a sleep-in once a week or a really good sleep" and took regular ice baths at home as part of his recovery.
"I've just got to manage the body and make sure that I'm not overdoing it, so that I do feel the warning signs," he said.
"I'm doing almost the same amount of work as other kids my age now."
Fitzpatrick said his recovery was a credit to his support team - AFL and Australian Institute of Sport coaches Alan McConnell and David Dickson - plus 16-year-old brother Matt, who is a pint-sized version of Jack and "a pretty harsh critic".
Before the draft camp and after a two-month spell, Fitzpatrick was almost the forgotten tall, even though he had been widely rated in the top 20 in the draft market at the start of the year. Yet he managed an invite to the camp.
His aim there was to get as close as possible to the results of last year's No. 1 draft pick Jack Watts and he did, in fact, notch the second best result ever in the repeat sprints with a time of 23.91 seconds.
The prolific forward for the Jets and captain of the college football team has spoken to several clubs - including West Coast, Fremantle, Adelaide, Port Adelaide and Melbourne - and has signed with player manager Paul Connors. He is likened to St Kilda's Justin Koschitzke and another Saint, Tom Lynch, who was taken at No. 13 in last year's draft, because of his strong hands and agility around the ground. He has also kicked several five and six-goal bags in his time at the Jets.
It is expected to be the Western Jets' best year at the draft - it has averaged two players drafted over the past three seasons - with Daw looking likely to become the first Sudanese AFL footballer.
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfnews/fitzpatrick-all-ears-on-draft-news/2009/11/14/1258043832286.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
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Meet the draftees: Anthony Morabito
afl.com.au
Sun 15 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/11.MORABITO-Anthony_draft_246d.jpg)
Height: 190cm
Weight: 90kg
DOB: 29/10/91
Recruited from: Harvey Brunswick
Bio: Quick, versatile and super athletic winger who starred at NAB AFL U18 Championships, receiving WA’s MVP award and All-Australian honours. Pace, kicking and marking are all strengths. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 2-5
Watch Anthony Morabito in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/51009/anthony+morabito+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
Competitive and very disciplined.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Brett Deledio as a linebreaker.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Athletic ability.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Aerobic fitness and intensity.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
West Coast. My dad is a staunch Eagles supporter.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Chris Waterman. He is teaching me the game and the expectations of being an AFL footballer.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86661/default.aspx
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Jack Fitzpatrick - Chronic fatigue beaten in path to draft
richmondfc.com.au
By Jason Phelan | Sun 15 November, 2009
DESPITE a decade-long struggle with chronic fatigue syndrome, Jack Fitzpatrick looms as one of the most intriguing ruck prospects at this month's NAB AFL Draft.
Fitzpatrick's condition was brought on by a bout of glandular fever when he was just six and he deteriorated to the point where his parents had to lift him off the couch to use the toilet.
Fast forward 10 years and, through the advice of countless doctors and herbalists, Fitzpatrick learned to manage it well enough to progress from local club Wyndhamvale to the Western Jets.
But the sharp increase in intensity brought new challenges.
"I remember my first Jets pre-season where all I was doing was 20-minute walks around the oval bouncing the ball," he told afl.com.au.
"All the other kids who were trying out were doing three-kilometre runs and a ridiculous amount of sprints to the point where they were absolutely knackered and you just feel a bit guilty.
"You just want to be able to explain it to them, but it is hard."
The 18-year-old has learned the hard way that sometimes he just can't push himself to the limit like his peers.
"I'd be trying to do all the training like everyone else, but I'd take a few steps forward and then I'd have a few weeks where I just couldn't do anything and take a massive step back," Fitzpatrick said.
"Eventually after doing the walks I started joining in the warm-up, then did a couple of drills and it just sort of went from there. Now I'm basically doing everything and not feeling too bad, which is great.
"It's a fine line between knowing when your body is too sore or you're a bit too tired on the chronic fatigue side of things, or whether you are just a bit sore or a bit tired from a big run. You've got to know the difference.
"It's just about knowing the warning signs of it like having a bit of a cough or a bit of a cold and if it doesn't go away after a couple of days I'll think, 'Right, I'll need to ease off a bit or take a step back'."
Regardless, the tables have seemingly turned for the 201cm Fitzpatrick, who left many recruiters at last month's NAB AFL Draft Camp impressed with his speed and endurance.
He recorded a 13.2 beep test, led the rest of the field home in the gruelling repeat sprint exercise and ran a lightning-quick time of 2.96sec in the 20m dash.
Input from others has encouraged Fitzpatrick's progression, particularly that of Alastair Lynch whose very public battle with chronic fatigue syndrome started as his AFL career neared its peak.
A chance conversation at the AIS-AFL Academy with Lynch's former teammate Michael Voss, who was coaching there at the time, led to Fitzpatrick's first contact with the Brisbane Lions triple premiership player.
"We've spoken a few times since then and he's been fantastic," he said.
"He's given me plenty of advice and I've really enjoyed my chats with him especially given the fact that he's been my idol for the last 10 years of my life.
"He's been brilliant. He just gives me a few tips here and there and has just given me the knowledge that someone has done it before and gone a long way with it. Hopefully I can, too."
There's a good probability that Fitzpatrick will be given the opportunity to emulate his hero with many confident his name will be called in the middle to later stages of a draft very tough to predict.
Fitzpatrick is keeping an open mind but knows his condition won't stand in the way of his dream.
"No matter what other people say you still can do it," he said.
"You've just got to manage yourself properly and work through it. Do the best you can because the proof's in the pudding that it can be done. Just have a crack and play footy each weekend and go from there.
"Seeing someone like Alastair Lynch, who has battled through it as well, you just look up to blokes like that and think, 'Well, if he can do it…
"It gives you so much more inspiration and belief that you can."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86971/default.aspx
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Picks of the draft: Aaron Black
November 16, 2009
FROM: Peel Thunder, where he managed two senior games this year. Played his junior football at Kingsley.
THE NUMBERS: Born November 29, 1990. 192cm, 82kg.
THE LOWDOWN: Black fits two draft-time stereotypes: he's a late bloomer, who didn't come through the WA state programs and really started to emerge only around the middle of this year once he was concentrating full-time on football. He's also your classic ''versatile tall'', who has played at both ends of the ground, can mark under pressure and stay involved in the game when he's playing up the ground.
RUNNING AND JUMPING: Black's standing vertical jump (70 centimetres) was fourth best at the draft camp behind another three tall players - James Craig (76cm), and Sam Shaw and Tom Hill (both 75). His left running jump (78cm) was just behind the Northern Territory's Mitchell Taylor (79cm) and equal with midfield pair Lewis Jetta and Kane Lucas. Black ran the 20-metre sprint in 3.03 seconds, notched a good time in the repeat sprints (24.86 seconds) and did his time trial in 11 minutes 28 seconds. Scored 22/30 in the new kicking test, to finish equal second.
WHO WANTS HIM? Sydney would be having a good look: Lewis Johnston, Jesse White aside, the Swans need to get some more good young talls. Port Adelaide will have considered him too, for exactly the same reason, but it's suspected he will end up at either Melbourne (pick 11) or Carlton (pick 12), both of whom are slowly building some youthful depth at both ends of the ground.
IRRELEVANT YET INTERESTING FACT: Black played basketball seriously until recently, and his coaches believed he had the potential to play at college level in the US.
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A MOVIE? Robert Pattinson (Twilight). Has burst on to the scene to huge popularity.
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfnews/picks-of-the-draft-aaron-black/2009/11/15/1258219754097.html
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Key prospect emerges from the shadows
afl.com.au
By Ben Broad | Mon 16 November, 2009
HIS HIGH-profile teammate might be getting all the attention, but some at the Dandenong Stingrays believe midfielder Ryan Bastinac's ability rivals that of the likely No.1 pick in this year's NAB AFL Draft.
Bastinac is a teammate of Tom Scully and has therefore spent not only much of this year in the shadow of the man tipped to go first in the draft, but indeed much of the past few seasons.
However that hasn't stopped him making his own big impression.
Recruiters have taken a shining to his hard running and clean ball use, with the ballwinner likely to be selected either late in the first round or early in the second when AFL clubs meet for the national draft on November 26.
Stingrays regional manager Darren Flanigan doesn't see a lot between his club's two star midfielders.
"They [Scully and Bastinac] played a lot of junior footy together in rep teams," Flanigan told afl.com.au.
"I remember in trial games that we actually had to take them off the ground because between the two of them they'd get the ball from one end to the other and no-one else would get a touch, so we always rated Ryan really, really highly.
"He probably hasn't received the accolades that Tom has, but as far as his ability [there's no doubts] … he's always on the same lap as Tom in the 3km time trial and there's very, very few players who can do that. His time at the draft camp was outstanding.
"His skills are equal to if not better than Tom. He probably hasn't got the explosiveness and the lateral movement that Tom's got, but he's hands are outstanding, his skills are outstanding and inside he's fantastic."
Bastinac impressed throughout the TAC Cup season for Dandenong, while also playing his part for Vic Metro in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.
But perhaps he showed his true class in the TAC Cup grand final when, minus his fellow co-captain Scully, he led the Stingrays superbly.
While his side ultimately fell just short, Bastinac was sublime in the decider with 24 disposals and a goal, confirming what those in the industry already suspected - that he is likely to become a genuine A-grader at the top level.
Bastinac's showing in the grand final had recruiters salivating, and his efforts at the NAB AFL Draft Camp in Canberra further emphasised his athletic ability.
He was second in both the beep test (recording a 15.1) and the 3km time trial, scorching around the course in 10.03.
"He can play off the half -back flank, can play half-forward as he did in the under-18 nationals this year and he's just got an amazing work-rate," Flanigan said.
"He played mainly midfield with us, but his endurance is outstanding.
"I think he'll go late first [round], early second. He's going to be a fantastic AFL player."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/87145/default.aspx
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Picks of the draft: Jake Melksham
Emma Quayle | November 17, 2009
FROM: Calder Cannons and Essendon Grammar.
THE NUMBERS: Born August 29, 1991. 185cm, 75kg.
THE LOWDOWN: Melksham, who had just recovered from a bout of osteitis pubis at the start of this season, flew home and was best on ground in the TAC Cup grand final. Watch the first five minutes and you'll appreciate how good he was when it mattered - he kept finding the ball. Melksham is a midfielder who can both win his own ball and use it nicely when fed to him outside the packs and his kicking can be sublime - when he's on, he can weight the ball to teammates perfectly. He's not overly speedy, but he's quick enough and he's smart enough to get to the right spots. AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan has likened him to Lenny Hayes and it is an apt comparison.
RUNNING AND JUMPING: Melksham's recorded 65cm (right) and 69cm (left) running jumps at draft camp. His 2.99 20-metre sprint was impressive, so was his 8.16-second agility run and his level-14.5 beep test. He has all the athletic tools.
WHO NEEDS HIM: Any club wanting a midfielder - and knowing Scully, Trengove and Martin are out of bounds - would have taken a good look at Melksham. The word is the Bombers are very keen, but the other word is that Port Adelaide likes him a lot. He won't survive the first round in any case, and it's difficult to see him getting past both those clubs.
IRRELEVANT YET INTERESTING FACT: Melksham had the lowest skinfolds at draft camp - 30.9.
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A MOVIE? George Clooney. He's smooth.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/rfnews/picks-of-the-draft-jake-melksham/2009/11/16/1258219800268.html
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Meet the draftees: Koby Stevens
afl.com.au
Tue 17 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/09.STEVENS-Koby_draft_246a.jpg)
Height: 187cm
Weight: 83kg
DOB: 18/06/91
Recruited from: Lucknow
Bio: Tough, inside midfielder with ferocious attack on both ball and player. Contested ball-winning ability and strong hands overhead are strengths. Vic Country U18 representative in 2009 and AIS-AFL Academy graduate.
Matt Burgan's drafter rating: 12-20
Watch Koby Stevens in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50976/koby+stevens+highlights/default.aspx (http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50976/koby+stevens+highlights/default.aspx)
What type of player are you?
An inside midfielder who also has an outside game. Can switch between back and forward.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Joel Selwood. Hard attacking player with great defensive pressure and a good mark with skills.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Attack on the ball and players marking. Endurance, defensive pressure, mental strength, skills and stoppage work.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Speed for the first five metres, kicking on my opposite foot and follow up running.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Richmond. My family supports them and brought me up to barrack for them too.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
My father. He coached me all my junior career. Nathan Buckley and Alan McConnell have plenty of knowledge for me to pick up.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86663/default.aspx
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Yes, Serhat: smarts put Temel front and centre
afl.com.au
By Ben Broad | Tue 17 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20A-E/Serhat_Temel_Rd1_a.jpg)
SERHAT Temel might not have the running ability of Tom Scully but if this year's NAB AFL Draft pool was judged purely on kicking and marking, he would have a case to be the first player chosen.
The Calder Cannons forward is a throwback to the old-fashioned footballer, when nous and know-how could be amply substituted for speed, agility and a V8-sized engine.
When assessing potential draftees, AFL clubs search for the right balance of speed, fitness and undoubted football skill.
Temel, it seems, has enough of the latter. It's now a matter of whether weakness in the first two categories proves a stumbling block in his quest to go to the next level.
He wasn't invited to the AFL's draft camp in Canberra but instead went to the Victorian state screening session.
"He probably wouldn't be jumping out of his skin with any of his results or anything like that and people will argue that perhaps that [his athleticism] is what might go against him," Cannons football manager Len Villani said.
"I think he was a bit disappointed about [them] and thought he could have done a bit better."
Temel's beep test result of just over 10 would be at the lower end of the players vying for a spot on an AFL list come November 26.
But Villani says after two years at TAC Cup level, Temel started to see reward for his efforts towards the end of the season.
"There's that argument that he might struggle a bit with his leg speed but you don't see him getting beaten on the lead too often," he said.
"We've been drumming into him the last couple of years that those are the things that he needs to work on, his work rate and that type of stuff, his defensive game.
"He's starting to turn the corner a little bit I think in that regard, and just his last four or five weeks of the season were out of this world."
The 18-year-old would have been on the periphery of clubs' sights after a solid TAC Cup season with the Cannons.
But by the end of the finals, he had flown up the charts - and with a bullet.
At 195cm, Temel can play at either end of the ground. He first made the Vic Metro squad as a backman before missing selection for the national championships.
However, he switched back to his more familiar forward role mid-season and it was in the finals that things clicked.
All the Cannons had to do was kick it near their burly forward and he'd do the rest.
Despite playing in defence for part of the season, Temel finished with 54 goals with a staggering 26 of those coming from his last five matches.
His finals tally included hauls of eight, seven, two and a superb five goals in Calder's grand final win, when he was among the best afield.
"He probably took on the top half a dozen defenders in the country (in that time) if you like and he pulled their pants down," Villani said.
"He was very impressive and he beat them hands down. He was just unstoppable.
"He's just so smart and I don't think I've seen a better pair of hands, to be honest, since I've been down here the last four or five years.
"I remember Darcy Daniher was one who really stood out with his hands - they were just sensational - but I think he (Temel) is just a level up on that again."
Temel was named the Cannons' best finals player and also finished third in the club's best and fairest count.
Fellow Cannons Jake Melksham, Daniel Talia and Jake Carlisle are likely to be picked up in the top 20 on draft night and though a couple of clubs have recently expressed interest in Temel, he won't be selected as high as his teammates.
Villani just hopes his natural forward gets his chance.
"I think they're sort of at the stage where they're starting to move back towards just picking good footballers," he said.
"It'd be a brave club not to sort of consider him late third [round], fourth round or at least as a rookie prospect.
"I think he's got a lot to offer, particularly in this draft where there's probably a pretty weak pool for those key position, 195cm-type blokes."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/87199/default.aspx
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Picks of the draft: Ben Cunnington
Emma Quayle | November 18, 2009
FROM: Geelong Falcons. Lives in the small town of Princetown.
THE NUMBERS: Born June 30, 1991. 185cm, 84kg.
THE LOWDOWN: Cunnington has become known for his attack on both football and opponent, but don't think that's all there is to him. His kicking could improve but he has very safe hands and he can put them to good use in the forward line. He averaged a goal a game in the national championships before striking top form in the last month of the TAC Cup season, averaging 25 disposals and 2.4 goals a game in the final six rounds. He takes strong marks under pressure, often against bigger opponents, and the Falcons rave about his fanatical preparation and attitude.
RUNNING AND JUMPING: Cunnington wasn't able to test at draft camp due to a hip injury received during the TAC Cup finals.
WHO WANTS HIM? There has been some vague talk that Freo likes him, but it will likely opt for local Anthony Morabito. He seems a fairly safe, sure bet for North Melbourne at No. 5, where he could team up with Jack Ziebell for years to come. If North lets him through, it's unlikely Cunnington would get past Sydney at No. 6.
IRRELEVANT YET INTERESTING FACT: Cunnington grew up a North Melbourne supporter but jumped ship and became a Brisbane Lions fan when he was about 10.
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A MOVIE? Kiefer Sutherland (in the style of Jack Bauer). Tough, yet skilled in many areas.
Will decapitate anyone who gets in his way.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/rfnews/picks-of-the-draft-ben-cunnington/2009/11/17/1258219839856.html
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Meet the draftees: Ryan Bastinac
afl.com.au
Wed 18 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/08.BASTINAC-Ryan_draft_246a.jpg)
Height: 183cm
Weight: 74kg
DOB: 22/06/91
Recruited from: Rowville
Bio: Smart inside midfielder with terrific contested ball winning ability. Vision, awareness and clean hands in traffic a feature. Clean foot skills off both sides other impressive assets. Vic Country U18 representative in 2009.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 10-25
Watch Ryan Bastinac in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/50968/ryan+bastinac+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
I am a midfielder. I rely on my run, ball use and decision-making.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Scott Pendlebury because he is a good ball user, decision-maker and is evasive. Looks like he has a lot of time when he has the ball.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
My decision-making, ball use on both sides of my body and my endurance.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
My strength and power.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
I support the Richmond Tigers. Mum barracks for the Tigers and one of Dad's mates played for them who pushed me to follow them.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
My dad because he's always been there to support and encourage me. He has always given me good advice and helped me through my football.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86666/default.aspx
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Picks of the draft: Gary Rohan
November 19, 2009
FROM: Geelong Falcons, via Cobden.
THE NUMBERS: 188 centimetres, 82 kilograms.
THE LOWDOWN: Rohan is tall, quick and capable of doing the things you least expect him to do. Out of nowhere he'll be up on someone's back taking a big mark or flashing out of a pack. Not everything works out perfectly, but he tries new things and he has an ability to make things happen, which not all that many players in this draft have. He's played both half-forward and in defence, but has some midfield potential, too.
RUNNING AND JUMPING: Rohan's running jumps (68 centimetres for his right foot and 75 for his left) put him in the top group of players at draft camp. He did a 2.93-second 20-metre sprint and ran the three-kilometre time trial in 11 minutes 14 seconds.
WHO NEEDS HIM: Fremantle and North would be looking fairly hard, but may opt for Anthony Morabito and Ben Cunnington. He then comes into the mix for Sydney at No. 6, and it could do with his flair. Port, with picks 8 and 9, would probably consider him too good to overlook.
IRRELEVANT YET INTERESTING FACT: With no under-12 team at his football club several years ago, Rohan instead starting playing centre for the netball team. He beat his older sister Stacy by one vote in the best and fairest.
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A MOVIE? Jim Carrey. A bit zany, madcap.
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfnews/picks-of-the-draft-gary-rohan/2009/11/18/1258219881450.html
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Meet the draftees: Mitchell Duncan
afl.com.au
Fri 20 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20K-O/06.DUNCAN-Mitchell_draft_246c.jpg)
Height: 188cm
Weight: 81kg
DOB: 10/6/91
Recruited from: Trinity College
Bio: Lead-up forward who presents well, is strong overhead and makes good decisions with the footy. Strong performer for WA at NAB AFL U18 Championships earning All-Australian honours. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 15-40
Watch Mitchell Duncan in action: http://www.afl.com.au/video/tabid/76/videoid/51003/mitch+duncan+highlights/default.aspx
What type of player are you?
I'm a versatile player and I believe I can play in a variety of positions. A player that works hard and is competitive who loves to link up and provide the forward with a great kick or kick the goal.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Andrew Embley - ability to play from half-back to half-forward and believe his run and link are a lot like mine. He works hard at both ends of the ground and has great finishing touch. I believe I have those attributes.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Skills, football knowledge, decision making, leadership, kicking on goal.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Tackling, defensive pressure, focusing for four quarters.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Essendon / Collingwood. I came around barracking for Essendon because I was a big fan of James Hird and for Collingwood because I just love the way they play - it's so exciting to watch. I reckon the Bombers are playing like that now too so it's good.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Mum and Dad. Mum because she has brought me up and did so much for me and was supportive so it's great to be giving her back what she has put into me. Dad because I have heard he had so much talent and just got caught up in the wrong crowd so I want to show him I can make it the whole way.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/86668/default.aspx
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WA tall good thing for first round
afl.com.au
By Nathan Schmook | Fri 20 November, 2009
A BOLD decision to turn his back on two American basketball scholarships is about to pay off for Aaron Black, with the talented West Australian rocketing into first round prominence ahead of next week's NAB AFL Draft.
Black, a versatile tall from Eaton in south-west WA, has juggled football and basketball ever since he started playing both sports as an 11-year-old, but success in each kept him from choosing a clear direction until the 2008 season.
Ironically, it was a US basketball tour late in 2007 that, while presenting the sporting all-rounder with the unique opportunity to play college hoops, ultimately pushed him towards football.
"He toured America in the Christmas of 2007 and from the coach's point of view he acquitted himself very well and was [offered] a couple of scholarships," Black's father, Doug, explains. "But when he came back he decided football was the way he wanted to go."
It is now expected Black, who turns 19 three days after the draft, will be recruited by Melbourne (pick No.11) or Carlton (No.12).
But for the player regarded as the bolter of this year's pool his past two seasons still remain shrouded in mystery.
His low profile rise from country junior to possibly the best tall draft prospect in the land began when he decided not to play in the WAFL colts competition in 2008.
Peel Thunder coach Michael Pratt had just crossed from Victorian TAC Cup side the Western Jets and identified the apprentice carpet-layer as a player he wanted in his development side.
He couldn't convince Black, who was working full-time under his dad in Eaton, to commit to the constant travel required to play in the state competition that year.
However, he tracked the youngster in the country through 2008 and witnessed a few "spectacular things".
"He kicked 10 goals in the final of the Landmark WA Country Championships and he actually played in three successful grand finals in 2008," Pratt said.
Doug Black remembers his son's 10-goal Landmark performance well and marks it as the point AFL clubs first showed interest.
"There were a few people talking at that stage and we thought, 'Hang on we've got an opportunity here'," he said.
"Then he played in the Eaton 17s grand final, got best on ground in that one, and then he played in the Eaton colts grand final and got best on ground in that one. At that colts grand final there was a Richmond scout."
Recruiters were all aware of Black from halfway through the 2008 country season, but it was his move to play WAFL colts with Peel in 2009 that would launch him into draft calculations.
Black had never been a part of the state development programs, but Pratt remembers assembling his colts squad for pre-season training and immediately seeing a potential AFL player.
"We were pretty excited when he said he'd come up for the 2009 season," Pratt said.
"He's just a terrifically talented kid. Pre-season I thought he had the skills of an AFL player."
For all his promise, things didn’t go to plan early in 2009 for Black. He missed three early games and continued to break down with niggling injuries.
"He was showing some really good flashes but we just couldn't keep him on the park," Pratt said. "I put a lot of that down to it being his first formalised pre-season."
After riding the early bumps, Black was able to get his body right. Then, late in June, came the breakout game his father had been waiting for.
Against Subiaco, Black had 29 possessions, 14 marks and booted 6.4 in rain and wind.
"You could just see his confidence growing throughout that game and from there he really started to take the competition by the scruff of the neck," Pratt said.
North Melbourne had already made contact with Black before that game, and the Sydney Swans, Brisbane Lions, Collingwood and West Coast would all make the trip down to Eaton shortly after.
Every AFL club has now met with Black, and Pratt is not surprised after watching his former colt excel at league level for the final three games of 2009.
"When he went up to play senior footy, his last two games were outstanding," Pratt said.
"You look at the votes from our fairest and best night and out of the maximum 36 votes for the last two games, he's picked up 35. It was just an unbelievable performance."
Black excelled at October's NAB AFL Draft Camp, finishing second in the new kicking test, and he suddenly finds himself on par with other WA first-round hopefuls Anthony Morabito, Lewis Jetta and Kane Lucas.
"Aaron does a few things that other players can't do," Pratt said. "His ability to gather the ball below his knees for a 193cm player is just outstanding - other players can't do that.
"His hands and his marking ability are really exceptional and he's just a beautiful kick of the footy."
For Doug Black, it is his son's understanding of space - a skill picked up before football was his priority - that is most impressive.
"I think with basketball that definitely helps - if you don't know where to go in basketball you just don't get the ball," he said.
"On the footy field he just knows where to run."
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/87288/default.aspx
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Gawn, not forgotten
afl.com.au
By Luke Holmesby | Sat 21 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/gawnbn_a.jpg)
THERE is never an ideal moment for a footballer to rupture an anterior cruciate ligament but Max Gawn’s timing was worse than most.
Gawn went into the 2009 campaign with TAC Cup team Sandringham Dragons knowing he was a slight chance to be drafted. A combination of height and athletic ability meant plenty of AFL recruiters would be following his progress throughout the year.
But on May 2, in just the fourth game of the season, Gawn went down with a knee injury against the Geelong Falcons.
The initial diagnosis was that he suffered just a minor jarring and would probably be able to return to the field that day. He didn’t return and over the next few days he consulted three other specialists, two of whom said his knee was fine.
But an MRI scan confirmed the worst. Gawn had ruptured his ACL and would require a knee reconstruction that would bring a premature end to his final season of junior football.
The 18-year-old said those few days of swinging between the best and the worst diagnoses was emotionally draining.
“The first two weeks or so I was pretty upset and didn’t know what was going on. I was more upset that I couldn’t play for the rest of the year or play soccer at lunch time. I was still thinking footy as a career wasn’t a huge chance,” Gawn said.
“I think Mum struggled the worst. For a month there I reckon she was pretty upset. But I got a call from my manager (Anthony McConville from Macs Sports) who had been speaking to Carlton and they said it made no difference.”
Former ruckmen Luke Darcy and Paul Salmon, who both suffered serious knee injuries during their careers, contacted the McKinnon Secondary student to reassure him that all was not lost.
“I had a lunch with Luke Darcy because he’s done two knees. He said it is a lot harder for us big blokes to get into it because we do the ruck work and we always land on it and twist in the ruck,” he said.
“I also had a talk to Paul over the phone. It was all about lifting my hopes and telling me it wasn’t over. They were both pretty good to talk to.”
Gawn might not have played much football in the past 12 months but he still managed to impress AFL clubs because of his imposing size.
In just 18 months, the ruckman has grown eight centimetres and put on 20kg to stand an imposing 208cm and 104kg.
This season he became the tallest player to attend the NAB AFL Draft Camp in its 16-year history.
“I was always the second or third tallest in my class but in year 10 and 11 I absolutely grew and had a couple of centimetres on the closest guys to me. I just grew, especially this year more than ever.”
A recent meeting with his surgeon has confirmed that Gawn’s knee has made rapid improvement since the reconstruction in June. His prolonged absence hasn’t scared off potential suitors as he spoke to 10 clubs at the draft camp.
Since then, representatives from Melbourne, North Melbourne, Fremantle and West Coast have visited him at his McKinnon home.
And every single club kicked off the interview with the same question.
“The first question everyone is how is the knee, how is it coming along and how did I deal with it, all that kind of jazz,” he said.
“None of them seemed that worried.”
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/87201/default.aspx
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Mid-season rethink gives young Cannon a shot at the big time
Brent Diamond | November 22, 2009
(http://www.realfooty.com.au/ffximage/2009/11/22/svCANNON.jpg)
A MID-SEASON heart-to-heart led to the transformation of Calder Cannons' Serhat Temel from a defender not considered good enough for the Vic Metro team to a high-flying forward rated by his coach as one of the best of his age in the country with a genuine prospect of being drafted into the AFL this week.
Temel, who stands to become only the second Turkish-born AFL footballer, began the season as a roaming backman, on Metro coach Rohan Welsh's advice to the Cannons' Martin Allison, so that he could learn how to play a key position.
Welsh overlooked Temel for the rep team mid-season, saying he was not agile enough. It was then that Temel, his father and Allison negotiated a move forward that yielded 54 goals, including 22 in four finals, culminating in a premiership.
He kicked eight in the first final, seven in the second, two in the preliminary final and five in the grand final win at Etihad Stadium,
proving he has what it takes to perform on the big stage.
"But those two [preliminary final] goals were equal to his eight and seven in previous weeks because we played him up as a high, hit-up forward around through the midfield," Allison said.
"He's a monster. He's 195 [centimetres] and 90 kilograms. He's pretty agile when he's got the footy. He's got the agility; people should be able to see that. I think he'll be one of the good stories out of the draft.''
Temel's mid-season round-table was both a reality a check and a turning point. "He played a game against the Murray Bushrangers after round 11 and he wasn't sticking with our team plans," Allison said.
"We had a chat with him and his dad afterwards, a bit of a reality discussion and we just told him where we thought he was and what he can do to improve."
Temel knew he would be a better performer at home as a forward.
"I wasn't pleading to go up to the forward line," he said. "At that stage we didn't have many forward options. But if I didn't go up forward, I probably wouldn't be in the situation that I'm in right now."
Temel has since been on the radar of several AFL clubs including the Western Bulldogs.
Draft expert Kevin Sheehan said Temel was one of few power forwards in a weak talent pool. He is touted as a late draft selection or a rookie prospect with clubs knowing that a fitter Temel could become a star.
Recruiting managers shied away from Temel because of his low score of 10.8 on the beep test at the state screening.
"He's one of those 18-year-olds that needs to know how to work harder but … he's got loads of talent," Sheehan said.
Some have compared him to a Dean Rioli given his freakish goalkicking abilities.
The Strathmore Secondary student says he has been motivated as a forward by retired Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd. He would become only the second Turkish-born AFL footballer, following Footscray's Sedat Sir.
Temel is a throwback to the old-fashioned full-forward where goals were more important than defensive pressure in the forward line.
It took some time to convince his family that Aussie rules was his game. His family, father Ismail, mother Birsen and younger sister Sinem, migrated to Australia when Temel was 10 months old. Being from Turkey, soccer was their chosen sport. Temel began playing the round ball game when he was nine. But he also began playing junior football at Pascoe Vale, winning five consecutive leading goalkicker awards. He almost quit Aussie rules, however, after missing out on Calder Cannons development squad at 16 when he was already a massive figure at 185 centimetres and 81 kilograms.
He has always been the big forward and go-to man in his career where he has also been crowned leading goalkicker at the Cannons for the past two seasons.
He also finished third in this year's club best and fairest.
"I was close to giving up footy and going back to soccer," he said.
"But I used that to motivate me and prove everybody wrong and I think I have proved a lot of people wrong this year."
Religion has never been an issue for the Temel family until now, where they will pray every day until they hear Serhat's name read out at the draft.
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfnews/midseason-rethink-gives-young-cannon-a-shot-at-the-big-time/2009/11/21/1258220010927.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
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McMillan-Pittard's obstacle course
afl.com.au
By Ben Broad | Sun 22 November, 2009
(http://mm.afl.com.au/Portals/0/images/AFL/AFL%20F-J/Bolter_246a.jpg)
AT LAST month’s NAB AFL Draft Camp in Canberra, the Sydney Swans were left so impressed by potential draftee Jasper McMillan-Pittard that senior coach Paul Roos joked about the prospect of offering the teenager an assistant coaching role.
Michael Turner, regional manager of the TAC Cup club from which McMillan-Pittard will be drafted on Thursday, wasn’t surprised.
McMillan-Pittard, Turner says, is a student of the game and is sure to be one of half a dozen Geelong Falcons that will find homes at an AFL club in next week’s draft.
In Canberra, with club recruiters and coaches looking on, he sat out many physical activities because of a knee injury sustained late in the Falcons’ season.
So the Torquay youngster made it a priority to impress any club interested in talking to him.
“I thought presenting yourself at the camp to the clubs was probably more important than the testing,” McMillan-Pittard told afl.com.au.
“I just wanted to go to each club with a little bit of knowledge and show that I had interest in the club and had some questions about what would happen if I went to a club, just so I’m prepared in case it happens.”
McMillan-Pittard won’t be selected as early as teammates Ben Cunnington or Gary Rohan - both considered certain top-10 picks - but he won’t be too far behind.
That’s pretty good going for a guy who only played a handful of TAC Cup matches last season.
“I think someone’s going to have to commit pretty early to get him because he’s the one with the bullet,” Turner said.
McMillan-Pittard didn’t win a mountain of possessions this season like Cunnington, nor does he have the knack to do the uncanny from week to week like Rohan.
So what is it that has AFL recruiters licking their lips, with one club seemingly set to use a late first-round pick on the smooth mover?
It’s more the glimpses he has shown - and the rawness on display - that most appeals.
By his own admission, the 18-year-old still has “a bit of development to go”.
He’s still growing but already stands 186cm. Yet he only weighs around 72kg - meaning he’ll be one of the lighter players selected in the draft.
Likened to Andrew Mackie, McMillan-Pittard is an attacking half-back who has also played on the wing for the Falcons.
A mad Saints fan, he also models himself in part on Sam Gilbert and Nick Dal Santo.
“I follow them pretty intently so it was a bit disappointing this year - especially living down here [in Geelong],” he said.
One day he hopes to move into the midfield, like Dal Santo, where he will be able to use his deadly left boot more regularly.
Recruiters rate his kicking, along with his pace, as his main attributes.
However, unlike many lefties, the Vic Country representative isn’t too reliant on his dominant side.
Father Michael Pittard ensured his son practiced on both sides of his body since his early days.
“There are not that many left-footers who are good on their right so it’s something that I guess I’m proud to say I can do,” McMillan-Pittard said.
“Ever since I was three years old Dad would have me practising, trying to ensure I was good on both sides - both hand and foot.
“At training I’d try to use it [my right foot] the majority of the time and try to use it under a range of different circumstances, not just in kick-to-kick … I’ll go onto my left the majority of my time but it’s good knowing that if I need to get out of traffic or something, I can just swing onto my right foot and it’s not much of a problem.”
Three years ago McMillan-Pittard was a Calder Cannon but decided on a sea change, shifting down the Surf Coast with his father and step mother.
Adjusting to a new school and making new friends was difficult at first, but from a career point of view the defender seems convinced he’s kicked a goal.
“For my footy it’s been the best move,” he said.
“I don’t know what I’d be like if I was still in Melbourne but I think I’ve been able to put my head down a bit more down here and, being down by the beach, it helps with recovery and all that sort of thing. It’s definitely been a positive.”
Now, with just a few days until d-day, the lightly-framed young gun must simply play the waiting game.
He’s made one big move before - from Melbourne to Torquay - and knows it’s highly likely another is in store.
But he doesn’t mind, so long as he gets to follow his dream.
“I just want to hear my name get called out,” he said.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/87337/default.aspx
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Liam Patrick hoping lightning strikes twice
afl.com.au
By Katrina Gill | Tue 24 November, 2009
EIGHT weeks ago Northern Territory sensation Liam Patrick was poised to become the best-kept secret in this year’s draft period.
Patrick, 21, was a stranger to most AFL recruiters having played the majority of his senior football in the Lajamanu community, 550kms south-west of Katherine.
The skinny goalkicker, who tried out with the NT Thunder as a teenager, thought his chance at the big time had passed and turned his attention to being a good husband to wife, Loretta, and father to newborn son, Mazlin.
But the rapid rise to fame of his younger cousin and Melbourne forward, Liam Jurrah, convinced him to give a career in the AFL one last go.
He registered with the Wanderers football club, home of Port Adelaide star Daniel Motlop, in the Northern Territory Football League and is now just days away from following in his trailblazing cousin’s footsteps.
Patrick, who made the 950km drive to Darwin prior to each game, guided Wanderers to three-straight wins to start the season but after the fourth game told coach Paul Motlop he was heading back to Lajamanu.
He’d already attracted interest from Melbourne and Hawthorn, which encouraged him to keep a low profile in the lead up to the December drafts.
“Liam had only played three or four games for us and pretty good ones too when he said he was going back home," Motlop told afl.com.au.
"The main idea behind him coming to play with Wanderers was to show he could commit to the football season in the Darwin competition,” Motlop told afl.com.au.
“It was then he told me that one club had told him were going to pick him up and that they didn’t want any other clubs to see him. We left it at that and we were hopeful that it would work out for him.”
But the two Melbourne-based clubs failed in their attempts to keep the raw utility under wraps and he was lured back to Darwin by the promise that more clubs, including North Melbourne and the Gold Coast, would come to see him play.
Patrick has not escaped the inevitable comparisons with Jurrah and pundits are divided in their opinions of the skilful pair, who grew up playing football together and occasionally against one another.
Jurrah is said to have the better skills but Patrick, nicknamed the ‘Lajamanu Lightning Bolt’, has impressed observers with his phenomenal vertical leap.
Patrick has dominated games in the ruck for Wanderers despite standing just 185cm tall.
In round two, he was named best on ground after being shifted into the middle and dragging his side back from 10 goals down in the third term to snatch a six-point win over league leaders, the Tiwi Bombers.
“Liam’s injected a bit more enthusiasm to the team with the style of football he plays. He’s an excitement machine,” Motlop said.
“He’s got a huge leap and he’s got great pace. He’s got everything required to play AFL footy.”
Essendon has joined the list of potential suitors for the Lajamanu Lightning Bolt’s services, dimming Hawthorn and Melbourne’s hopes of securing him with a pre-season or rookie draft pick.
Patrick will train with the Bombers at Windy Hill this week and will remain in Melbourne to watch Thursday’s national draft, where he’s likely to hear his name called by an AFL club.
Motlop said the entire Northern Territory would be behind the popular local on Thursday night.
“From the place guys these guys - Liam Jurrah and Liam Patrick - have come from to go on and play AFL football is unbelievable,” he said.
“I think what Liam Jurrah has done and, hopefully now, what Liam [Patrick] is doing will set a lot of boys’ dreams alight.”
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/87416/default.aspx
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Picks of the draft: Jordan Gysberts
Emma Quayle | November 25, 2009
FROM: Eastern Ranges and Yarra Valley Grammar.
THE NUMBERS: Born June 11, 1991. 189cm, 82kg.
THE LOWDOWN: An inside midfielder who works hard to involve his teammates in the game and rarely fumbles or panics.
RUNNING AND JUMPING: Gysberts wasn't able to test at draft camp due to injury. He's not a speedster but has sound endurance and is able to cover the ground really well.
WHO NEEDS HIM: Any team looking for honest, inside midfielders. He's a possibility to get picked as high as 14 (Sydney) but may fall somewhere in the 20s, with West Coast, Essendon and North Melbourne potential new homes.
IRRELEVANT YET INTERESTING FACT: Interviewed this year on Channel Nine's TAC Cup show, Gysberts' father made the dramatic admission that his son, born nine months after the 1990 grand final, was a ''Collingwood premiership baby''.
WHO WOULD PLAY HIM IN A MOVIE? Paul Giamatti (that guy out of Sideways). Fairly unobtrusive on first viewing, then later you sit back and think ''gee, he was actually pretty good''.
http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/rfnews/picks-of-the-draft-jordan-gysberts/2009/11/24/1258824712381.html