Tall forwards named for Combineafl.com.au
Tue 11 Sep, 2012The AFL today announced the sixth group of players, Tall Forwards, to be invited to the NAB AFL Draft Combines to be held in October 2012 as part of its talent identification process in the lead up to the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.
The NAB AFL Draft Combine, involving 120 players at National Level, will be held at Etihad Stadium from October 2-5, with state Draft Combines to be held in Melbourne (October 6), Adelaide (October 13) and Perth (October 14).
The Tall Forwards group comprises 30 players who play predominantly forward roles and includes one All-Australian in Jesse Hogan from the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships who is only available for the mini-draft in October and five players who are members or graduates of the AIS-AFL Academy.
“The Tall Forwards are still arguably the most influential players in the game and often the hardest to identify early when eligible. Fremantle champion Matthew Pavlich was overlooked by all AFL clubs as a 17 year-old in 1998 before Fremantle selected him at choice number four in 1999,” said AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan.
In all, over 200 players have been invited to test at the NAB AFL Draft Combines with other positioned groups to be released as follows:
2012 NAB AFL Draft Combine - National: Tall ForwardsJordon BourkeMorningside (QLD) 17 193 cm 83 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Tall forward who is exceptionally strong overhead and a reliable shot for goal. Quick on the lead and reads the ball well in the air. Son of former Geelong Cats ruckman Damien Bourke and is eligible for them under the father/son rule or the Gold Coast Suns as a zone selection. Averaged 12.4 disposals and 4.2 marks for QLD in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships showing his overall potential. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.”
Matthew BrettMurray Bushrangers, VIC 18 188 cm 79 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Hard working tall forward with strong hands, both on the lead or in a contested situation. Makes good decisions when in possession of the ball by either hand or foot, and applies great defensive pressure to the opposition when they have it. A very good reader of the play, he also has the ability to play at either end of the ground. Had a season high 18 disposals and 10 marks (five contested) Vs Dandenong in Round 16 of the TAC Cup.”
Michael CloseNorth Ballarat Rebels (VIC) 18 195 cm 82 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Mobile and strong marking tall forward who missed three games in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships due to injury. Has elite endurance for his size (15 plus beep test) and excellent disposals by foot. He also has the ability to play as a backup ruckman.”
Brant ColledgePerth (WA) 17 192 cm 87 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Hard working player who presents with multiple leading efforts and has strong hands in the contest. Uses the ball well by hand and foot and has overcome an ankle injury which restricted him to the last two matches in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. Been in excellent touch at Colts level of late, averaging 20.1 disposals and 8.4 marks in the past seven games.”
Jesse HoganClaremont (WA) 17 193 cm 91 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Imposing tall forward/defender who takes contested marks and can really impact a game. Really competitive and intensive type who excelled for WA in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, averaging 6.4 marks and 13.6 disposals and winning All-Australian honours. Eligible for the min-draft in 2012 and current member of the AIS-AFL Academy.”
Tim O'BrienGlenelg (SA) 18 192 cm 81 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Tall, quick moving forward whose X-factor is his overhead marking. Averaged five marks and 2.2 goals per game in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and is a reliable set shot for goal. His six goals against Tasmania in Round One was a highlight.”
Marco PaparoneEast Fremantle (WA) 18 193 cm 84 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Tall forward with elite endurance (15+ beep) which allows him to keep presenting up forward or to play midfield which he did in the final game of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. Dangerous around goal and creative player who averaged 16 disposals, four marks and 1.5 goals per game for WA this year.”
Josh ScottGippsland Power (VIC) 18 190 cm 76 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “A courageous tall forward with an excellent set of hands in the air. He has the ability to take it out in front on the lead or going back with the flight in a contested situation. An agile player that can also compete at ground level, his vision and game sense are very good. Played one game for Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships kicking two goals. Impacts the scoreboard regularly and this was highlighted in his season best haul of six goals in the opening round of the TAC Cup season vs the Geelong Falcons.”
Mason ShawSouth Fremantle (WA) 18 197 cm 82 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Tall forward who is very strong overhead and has smarts around goals. Kicked seven goals in the WAFL in the NAB AFL Under-18 Grand Final in 2011. A reliable kick for goal from set shots as well as clever with his snap shots. Has excellent endurance for a tall with a beep score of 14 plus showing his potential to play across half forward. Kicked four goals for WA against Vic Country this year. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.”
James StewartSandringham Dragons (VIC) 18 197 cm 82 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Tall forward with outstanding agility for his size. Very poised with his disposal by hand or foot and can play at either end of the ground or through the midfield. Has good game sense and natural pace. Is eligible for father/son to Collingwood, where father Craig played. Represented Vic Metro in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with his best game vs TAS gaining 23 possessions including 15 contested and six marks. Graduate of the AIS-AFL Academy.”
Jake StringerBendigo Pioneers (VIC) 18 191 cm 91 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Tall forward/defender who excels one-on-one with his marking and body positioning. His kicking is both penetrating and precise, whether forward or back, and he has good speed off the mark. Thrives on the contest and tackles strongly. Overcome serious leg injury last season to play some excellent football for Bendigo Pioneers this year and represent Vic Country in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.”
Mitchel Van Den BergNorth Launceston (TAS) 19 190 cm 72 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Tall forward who is strong overhead and a reliable set shot for goal. Provided TAS with a mobile target up forward in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships playing as a 19 year-old. Outstanding against Queensland in Tasmania’s upset win in Round Three with 20 possessions, 10 marks and two goals.
Mason WoodGeelong Falcons (VIC) 19 190 cm 78 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Left footed tall forward who presents well on the lead and is strong overhead. Averaged 13 disposals for Vic Country this year in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with his best game against their arch rival, Vic Metro. Has elite endurance and work rate and is capable of playing as a wingman as well. Has clean hands, good vision and excellent awareness.”
2012 NAB AFL Draft Combines - State: Tall Forwards Melbourne:Jesse BoydClub: Calder Cannons
Height: 192cm
Weight: 86kg
DOB: 29.01.1994
Jake CalvertClub: Dandenong Stingrays
Height: 192cm
Weight: 93kg
DOB: 30.05.1993
Scott CloustonClub: Redlands
Height: 191cm
Weight: 84kg
DOB: 02.02.1987
Liam FlahertyClub: Eastlake
Height: 194cm
Weight: 87kg
DOB: 14.11.1993
Sam GordonClub: Geelong Falcons
Height: 192cm
Weight: 90kg
DOB: 31.03.1993
Khan HaretukuClub: Frankston
Height: 199cm
Weight: 101kg
DOB: 19.10.1989
Ryan MorrisonClub: Dandenong Stingrays
Height: 190cm
Weight: 83kg
DOB: 06.03.1994
Josh PorterClub: Murray Bushrangers
Height: 193cm
Weight: 95kg
DOB: 26.04.1994
Matt RennieClub: Dandenong Stingrays
Height: 190cm
Weight: 79kg
DOB: 16.06.1994
Spencer WhiteClub: Western Jets
Height: 194cm
Weight: 88kg
DOB: 22.09.1994
Simon DeeryClub: Gippsland Power
Height: 192cm
Weight: 84kg
DOB: 18.09.1993
AdelaideKaiden BrandClub: West Adelaide
Height: 197cm
Weight: 84kg
DOB: 08.04.1994
Ethan GillClub: Glenelg
Height: 194cm
Weight: 94kg
DOB: 31.12.1994
Justin HardyClub: Central Districts
Height: 196cm
Weight: 97kg
DOB: 14.01.1988
Brad HartmanClub: Sturt
Height: 188cm
Weight: 75kg
DOB: 16.11.1994
Tom SchottClub: West Adelaide
Height: 189cm
Weight: 78kg
DOB: 27.04.1994
PerthTom LeeClub: Claremont
Height: 194cm
Weight: 94kg
DOB: 02.01.1991
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