Is Alex 'Shorty' Woodward the next Luke Ball? by: Jay Clark
From: Herald Sun
November 05, 
ALEX Woodward has copped his fair share of big hits this season, but none as potentially devastating as the one he received in the TAC Cup grand final.
The tough midfielder was helping power Sandringham Dragons to a thrilling comeback win when he was collected high midway through the final quarter. The knock threatened to end his day and derail the team's flag tilt as it trailed at the time.
But the teen who won more clearances than anyone else in the TAC Cup this season isn't regarded as one of the best ball-winners in Victoria for no reason.
When given the option of a breather, the skipper didn't want let his teammates down.
"I just tried to gather the ball but it didn't bounce my way and another player came diving in," Woodward said. "I've watched it on the replay but I hardly remember it.
"I pushed the trainers away. I didn't want to have a bar of it (going off).
"I wanted to do everything I could for the team and I wasn't much use to my teammates off the field."
As it happened, Woodward, who averaged 15 contested possessions and seven clearances this season, saw the Dragons to their second premiership.
It proved a fitting end to an excellent year for the hard-working midfielder, who finished second in the TAC Cup best and fairest.
But another chapter awaits should Woodward be selected, most probably in the mid to late part, of this month's draft.
Though short at 179cm, Woodward makes up for his lack of height with his ferocious attack on the ball and his willingness to throw himself into the contest.
His endeavour was on show at the national championships when the Vic Metro onballer averaged 10 contested possessions a game, putting him in elite company.
The 18-year-old said his hard approach to winning the ball had its roots in something his father told him as a junior.
"My father really nailed it into me at a young age just to attack the footy as hard as I can because I'm a short player," Woodward said. "On the ground is where I do my best work, trying to get first possession."
Burrowing under the packs, Woodward inflicts most of his damage by hand, and also showed flexibility in attack.
For a small midfielder, Woodward is strong overhead, and impressed at the draft camp, recording a sizzling 20m sprint time (2.89sec), which ranked equal sixth among the speedsters.
It smashed any perception the rugged youngster lacked pace.
The gifted tennis player models his game on Collingwood ball magnet Luke Ball.
"I really like his attack on the footy, his desperation for the contest, and his appetite to get the footy first for his teammates is something I really aspire to," Woodward said.
"I've always had the mindset that no one is going to get the footy for you; you've got to get in first, and give it to your teammates first."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/is-alex-shorty-woodward-the-next-luke-ball/story-fnau1fjg-1226186182216
