Free-running AFL draft prospect Connor Menadue certain to be snapped up after starring for Western Jets in the TAC CupHerald-Sun
November 17, 2014 GIVE Connor Menadue a free run at your peril.
The 18-year-old from the Western Jets split opposition teams apart with his speed this season, engineering countless forays forward from the half-back line and midfield.
Menadue mixed pace with impressive contested ball and tackle numbers and was one of six Jets named in the Vic Metro squad for the AFL Under-18 National Championships.
He also performed well at the national combine, logging the fifth fastest time in the 20m sprint – 2.88 secs – and clocking 10 mins 7 secs in the 3km time trial.
Labelled a “terrific speed endurance athlete” by Jets talent manager Shane Sexton, Menadue appears all-but certain to find an AFL home on draft night.
The Seabrook resident, who completed his last Year 12 exam on Friday, said he had not been able to give the draft much attention yet.
“I haven’t really thought about it too much, with exams,” he said.
“But definitely as it’s getting closer I’m getting more nervous.
“I was happy with my season. I think I was pretty consistent and there were only a couple of games where I was pretty disappointed with my game.
“I was able to go into different positions and still perform, which was really good.”
Menadue showcased his class with a devastating performance in the Jets’ TAC Cup elimination final loss to Dandenong Stingrays.
While his team was defeated, Menadue could easily have been handed best on ground honours.
“My second half — that would have been my best half I’ve ever played, just with the circumstances and being able to step up when we were down,” he said.
“We couldn’t get over the line, but I was really happy with how I came out after half-time and just gave my all.”
Menadue’s versatility is unquestionable, but he said he preferred to fill a role across half-back, mixed with stints in the middle.
He also managed 16 goals from 16 games this year, which underlined his nous in the attacking half.
“I got moved to the midfield midway through the year and started becoming damaging and kicking goals,” he said. “I also think my versatility (is a strength), being able to play in different positions and also on different players – being able to play on talls and play on smalls.
“My contested ball and my tackling improved.
“I tried to work on that during the year and I think my tackles increased in games and when it was my turn to go for the ball I definitely improved in that area — taking the body, getting the hit and trying to be clean under pressure.”
Menadue, a Western Bulldogs supporter, said Robert Murphy, Bradley Hill, Lewis Jetta and Nathan Fyfe were among his favourite AFL players.
http://www.news.com.au/national/freerunning-afl-draft-prospect-connor-menadue-certain-to-be-snapped-up-after-starring-for-western-jets-in-the-tac-cup/story-e6frfkp9-1227125738819
