Andrew Gaff could fall through to Richmond should it finish last Jay Clark
Herald Sun
April 22, 2010 VICTORIA'S most outstanding underage midfielder could be left for Richmond to pick at No. 4 in this year's national draft.
If the Tigers finish last as expected, they will not be disappointed with Oakleigh ball-magnet Andrew Gaff, should he slip past Gold Coast's first three choices.
Gaff was the dominant player on the AIS-AFL's recent tour of South Africa, including starring roles in games against West Perth (33 possessions) and Sydney's reserves (32).
Gaff's hard-running and ability to win the contested ball has drawn comparisons to Brisbane Lions playmaker Luke Power.
While next month's national championships will paint a clearer picture of the potential draft order, recruiters are getting a firm feel for the names likely to be taken in the top dozen.
AIS-AFL high performance coach Jason McCartney dispelled fears the talent in the first-round will be thin and said it would be hard for recruiters to separate the top fancies come draft time.
"Last year there was a standout in Tom Scully, but this year's group is probably much more even right at that top end," McCartney said.
"As it stands, there are probably six or seven guys with claims for that No. 1 spot. But there definitely will be some players who bob up throughout the season as we saw last year with Jack Trengove and even someone like Ben Cunnington to an extent."
Gold Coast, which has picks one, two, and three is believed to be eyeing South Australian key position prospect Sam Day and slick West Australian midfielder Harley Bennell with its top two picks, having already committed to onballer David Swallow with its third pick.
Of Day, McCartney said: "As soon as we sent him forward in the last game he took some big contested marks and had shots on goal".
Bennell has impressed with 50 possessions in his first two senior WAFL games for Peel Thunder this year.
"He's really well-balanced and a very good decision-maker," McCartney said.
Oakleigh Charger Andrew Gaff. Picture: Kris Reichl (Leader Newspapers) Source: Leader http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/andrew-gaff-could-fall-through-to-richmond-should-it-finish-last/story-e6frf9ix-1225856613898
