The next most likely...
22 November, 2004
Matt Burgan
Sportal/exclusive to afl.com.au
10 names to watch out for in the National Bank's Pre-Season and Rookie Draft
Ruory Kirkby - Bendigo Pioneers
2 April 1986, 192cm, 80kg
Kirkby was the most surprisingly overlooked player in this year's National Bank's AFL Draft, as he was widely regarded as a top-30 selection. He will now be a key target either for the pre-season or rookie draft. A key defender/forward, Kirkby is terrific overhead and mobile for his size. He won All-Australian honours in this year's under-18 championships. Kirkby was also named in the 2004 TAC Cup team of the year.
Heath Grundy - Norwood
2 June 1986, 192cm, 92kg
Grundy was another key forward/defender expected to be taken in this year's draft, particularly after an outstanding under-18 carnival, where he too gained All-Australian honours. He kicked three goals and took 11 marks against Western Australian in the championships. An AIS/AFL Academy graduate, Grundy also impressed playing senior football for Norwood in the SANFL in 2003/04.
Danyle Pearce - Sturt
7 April 1986, 177cm, 68kg
Pearce had an outstanding Draft Camp, as he won the 20-metre sprint with a time of 2.79 seconds, while he also topped the agility run in just 7.79 seconds. Athletically, his results were the best performed at the championships. Possessing genuine pace, Pearce represented South Australia in the under-18 championships this year. Originally from a basketball background, Pearce is related to the Burgoyne brothers and Aaron Davey.
Ryan Bain - Oakleigh Chargers
7 January 1986, 184cm, 81kg
Bain represented Victoria Metropolitan in this year's championships, where he had an impressive carnival, while he was also named in the 2004 TAC Cup team of the year. He is a skilful midfielder with great speed, who consistently finds space and wins the football. He will be another player who will be sought after in the upcoming December drafts.
Ben Sharp - Oakleigh Chargers
10 July 1986, 187cm, 78kg
Aerobically terrific, Sharp was outstanding in the under-18 championships this year, when he kicked the winning goal against South Australia, in extra time, which helped give Victorian Metropolitan the title. He was also rewarded with All-Australian selection. An AIS/AFL Academy member, Sharp is a hard-running midfielder who is a fine linkman in play.
Jesse D.Smith - Calder Cannons
20 February 1986, 183cm, 82kg
He had a terrific season in 2004, representing Victoria Metropolitan in the under-18 championships, while he was rewarded with best-on-ground honours in this year's TAC Cup grand final win over Eastern Ranges. He notched up 34 disposals at the MCG on grand final day. Smith also won the Calder Cannons best-and-fairest award. He is not to be confused with new Kangaroos midfielder Jesse W.Smith
Eddie Betts - Calder Cannons
26 November 1986, 173cm, 75kg
Betts had an outstanding junior career, which included being named an All-Australian in the under-18 championships in 2003. He also represented Victoria Metropolitan in 2004. Betts was also a dual Calder Cannons premiership player in 2003/04. A small, crumbing forward with terrific pace, he has been compared in some circles as an Aaron Davey type of player, which could make him an interesting prospect in December.
Nick Becker - Calder Cannons
7 July 1986, 186cm, 78kg
Becker was a terrific performer in the Calder Cannons premiership victory over the Eastern Rangers this year, when he notched up 26 disposals. He is a disciplined midfielder, who possesses good pace, agility and a terrific work ethic. Becker is also a strong mark and a penetrating kick. He attended this year's Draft Camp and was another who will be sought after in December.
Beau Wilkes - Claremont
20 March 1986, 194cm, 91kg
A strong marking forward, particularly in contested situations, Wilkes has a terrific work rate for a player of his size. He represented Western Australia at this year's under-18 championships and was a fine performer in his side's final match against Victoria Country, when he claimed 22 disposals and 12 marks. He was also named captain of the WAFL Colts team of the year in 2004.
Rowan Nayna - Dandenong Stingrays
3 May 1986, 181cm, 77kg
A quick, defender/midfielder, Nayna possesses a terrific vertical leap and runs the lines well. He represented Victoria Metropolitan at this year's under-18 championships, while he was also named in the TAC Cup team of the year. He continued to improve as the season progressed and he claimed a third placing in the Dandenong Stingrays best-and-fairest in 2004. He attended the recent Victorian state-based screening.
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