cheers MT
Here's another article on Kavanagh in today's Herald-Sun al.
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Unless Richmond intervenes at 15, or North Melbourne at 17, for the second year in a row, the draft may deliver Essendon a surprise first-round gift, like Heppell last year.
While Kavanagh's hamstring problems are the key concern, some have likened the 187cm ball-carrier's style to Chris Judd, largely for his versatility, endurance and speed.
Kavanagh, 18, said he tried to be flexible through the midfield.
"I can play outside because I've played outside during my junior career playing on a wing," he said. "But last year I got introduced into the midfield set-up where I won a lot of my own ball. I think I do OK in both aspects of the game."
Noted for his decision-making and skill, Kavanagh is an offensive weapon because of his ability to burst through congestion.
He is clean, if not calm as well, ranking first in the draft camp handball test, with a score of 28 out 30.
For a long time last year, Kavanagh loomed as a top-five pick.
But he tore his left hamstring twice, first in August 2010 and in February this year, which would have scared some clubs off.
Even though his form was more subdued this season, Kavanagh still managed about 10 games and won a premiership with Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School.
Since then clubs have done everything to find out about Kavanagh's hamstring.
He told them the first injury was a grade two tear and that doctors had taken a cautious approach to get him right.
The second tear was in a different spot, sounding alarms bells for some recruiters.
He was ruled out of the AIS games and the national championships, making the ball-winner one of the draft pool's biggest quandaries.
But after working hard and gently easing back into the fray, Kavanagh hoped those setbacks were all behind him.
"They have taken a massively conservative approach and built up the hamstring to withstand big workloads," he said.
"So hopefully that has done its work and I can get back out there in the years to come and not have any problems."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/elliott-kavanagh-could-be-another-surprise-for-essendon/story-fnau1fjg-1226200566836
