Still in with a chance: The 10 hopefuls still in the mix for the pre-season and rookie draftsCallum Twomey
afl.com.au
November 29, 2014 CLUBS are already thinking about next week's NAB AFL Pre-Season and Rookie drafts, assessing the talent that wasn't selected at Thursday night's national intake. Here are 10 names who might be considered.
Peter Bampton (182cm, 83kg, midfielder): A ball-winner who has really solid frame, which means he could step into a club and play a role. Bampton averaged 19 touches in seven senior SANFL games for Norwood this year, having missed the under-18 championships with an ankle injury.
Daniel Capiron (189cm, 81kg, defender): Was overlooked after an inconsistent season where he struggled to find any continuity. But he has shown signs across two seasons of his ability to read the ball in the air, be a good intercept marker across half-back and offer rebound.
Will Fordham (188cm, 78kg, midfielder): Came on towards the end of the season, and a handful of clubs had interest in him late. Fordham played 20 games for the Sandringham Dragons in the TAC Cup and averaged 20 disposals. He carries strong athleticism, a bit of speed and is a nice size for clubs looking for midfield height.
Matt Hammelmann (197cm, 88kg, forward): He can join the Brisbane Lions under the pre-selection rookie rule as a member of their academy. Other clubs might take a look if they don't, as Hammelmann has shown signs he can be used at either end of the ground with success. Mainly it's as a forward, though, where he presents on the lead and kicks well.
Nick Jackson (195cm, 86kg, defender): Jackson is a tall defender who can shut down players, and tends to read the play well in the air. He played just one game at the mid-year carnival for Queensland through injury, but could be an option for a club looking for another young developing tall back.
Tyler Keitel (194cm, 86kg, forward/defender): Spent the season pushing back and forward, and showing he could play a role at either end. His athleticism is what might hold him back, but given his versatility a club might see something to work with.
Oleg Markov (186cm, 69kg, forward): Having broken his collarbone twice this year, Markov's limited exposure would have contributed to him not being drafted. A club might be better placed to take him on as a rookie, given his speed and athletic ability in the forward line and midfield.
Rowan Marshall (198cm, 87kg, ruckman): Marshall has played as a ruckman, but at his height clubs see him more as a tall forward at the next level who can also shift into defence. He was overlooked at last year's draft and returned to play some strong footy for Vic Country and the North Ballarat Rebels.
Braydon Preuss (205cm, 102kg, ruckman): The rookie draft is where recruiters will take more of a look at ruckmen, with Preuss on the radar of several clubs. The towering Quuenslander doesn't collect heaps of the ball but can present and offer a contest in the air, and has got some skill when competing at ball-ups.
Francis Watson (186cm, 76kg, defender): An agile, mobile defender who loves to run with the ball tucked under his arm. He has a great natural leap and is an instinctive player who improved immensely this season and has plenty of upside. Watson played four games for Western Australia at the national championships as an over-aged player.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-11-28/still-in-with-a-chance
