Cricketer George Horlin-Smith a bolter in AFL draft Jay Clark
Herald Sun
November 05, 2010 ONE of Australia's hottest young cricketers has become an AFL draft bolter.
George Horlin-Smith, a classy midfielder likened to Jack Trengove and Steele Sidebottom, has shaken up the draft order after his shock nomination.
Collingwood has been linked to Horlin-Smith and could use its first selection, pick No.44. But there are doubts the South Australian will still be available then.
Horlin-Smith, 17, has concentrated almost exclusively on cricket.
"He has never done a proper football pre-season in his life,," South Australian under-18 football coach Brenton Phillips said. "So you can imagine the development in him."
The middle-order batsman captained the Australian under-16 team.
As a footballer, the 187cm Horlin-Smith is a strong overhead mark and is extremely skilful.
One scout said the teen could be the bargain pick-up of the draft. But Horlin-Smith still represents something of a gamble, having played only two under-18 games for Sturt in the SANFL this year.
Horlin-Smith missed selection for SA at the national championships and spent the rest of the season playing footy for Adelaide's Pembroke School.
"He's a pretty complete footballer," Sturt under-18 coach Chris Brown said.
"He was a small kid but he's really shot up and I always thought he would play cricket but he said: 'I am pretty keen on playing footy'. He's a huge talent, an unbelievable talent."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/cricketer-george-horlin-smith-a-bolter-in-afl-draft/story-e6frf9jf-1225948003228
