Ten to watch in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft Callum Twomey
AFL.com.au
26 November 2015ATTENTION quickly turns to Friday's NAB AFL Rookie Draft after the national intake on Tuesday, with some talent left on the board and up for grabs.
Here are 10 possible rookies who might be on the radar of clubs in two days as they finalise their lists ahead of the 2016 season.
Gach NyuonRuckman
201cm/81kg
19/3/97
Dandenong Stingrays
Nyuon was the All Australian ruckman this year after a strong national carnival for Vic Country, but was probably always more of a rookie chance than a shot in the national draft. That's because clubs don't tend to take many rucks in the national draft and Nyuon has some way to go developing a body that's ready for AFL. But his improvement across the year should appeal to a club who wants to give him a go.
Reuben WilliamHalf-back
182cm/74kg
7/10/97
Zillmere/Brisbane Lions academy
It was a surprise no club took William at the national draft after his impressive season for the Lions academy. The attacking and combative half-back loves to tackle, uses the ball pretty well and plays with good spirit. From Sudan, William's speed and disposal stacks up well. As a member of the Brisbane Lions academy, the club is in a good position to take him on and add another local talent.
Nick O'KearneyMidfielder
181cm/72kg
29/10/97
Calder Cannons
O'Kearney is a ball magnet who can use the ball well on both feet, pick up disposals at will and find targets. He was probably overlooked because of his size as a midfielder and he could probably hurt teams more with his disposal, but he's consistent and professional and does everything to keep improving his game.
Will SnellingMidfielder
176cm/75kg
6/8/97
West Adelaide
The small midfielder will be a rookie shot due to his ability to rack up possessions. He was a prolific member of South Australia's under-18 team at the national carnival and also captained the state during the under-18 championships. Snelling already has senior experience, too, having played 13 games at West Adelaide this season in the SANFL.
Sam MurrayMidfielder
187cm/80kg
2/9/97
Wodonga Raiders
Murray had a number of clubs interested in him ahead of the draft after a strong season for the Wodonga Raiders in country Victoria. Clubs have spent more time on him in recent weeks as they assess him against other prospects, but he has speed, takes the game on an has a knack for kicking a goal. He is a draft smokey but he's definitely in the mix as a rookie.
Murray's strong form in country footy has several clubs interested. Picture: The Border Mail
Darcy MacPhersonMidfielder
174cm/72kg
29/10/97
Northern Knights
The Bulldogs declined the chance to nominate MacPherson as a father-son pick in the national and rookie drafts, but he should get a chance on Friday. Although short, MacPherson fights hard for the ball, averaged 21 disposals in eight games with the Northern Knights and can push forward to hit the scoreboard. He also performed well at VFL level for Footscray later in the season.
Thomas GlenHalf-back
187cm/72kg
7/5/97
Dandenong Stingrays
It was a bit of a surprise that Glen didn't get a chance later in the piece, because he showed some nice form across the season at half-back. He can play on a range of forwards and offers good run, speed and drive out of the backline. He was consistent across the season with the Stingrays and Vic Country and had some interest before the national draft.
Jesse Glass-McCaskerTall defender
196cm/95kg
3/1/97
Swan Districts
The West Australian tall defender will be a good chance to find an AFL home on Friday with clubs likely to be looking to add a key backman. Glass-McCasker is athletic, pretty quick and can shut down on opponents, and is reliable in one-on-one battles. At 196cm and 95kg he should be able to come in and play a role soon.
James ParsonsMidfielder
189cm/75kg
12/4/97
Eastern Ranges
Parsons' outside run and skill level might be enough to see him get a chance as a rookie despite an up and down season. The NAB AFL Academy graduate has speed and carries the ball, and can kick the ball long and with penetration. His physical makeup also makes him a player with promise, given he should be able to add some size if he gets into the system.
Lachlan TizianiHalf-forward
188cm/80kg
13/3/97
Albury/GWS Academy
Tiziani tested exceptionally well at the NAB AFL Draft Combine, showing his strong leap and athleticism. That comes through in his game, too, with his overhead marking and bounce giving him a point of difference. The Giants will get first access to Tiziani, who is a member of the club's academy. All four of GWS' national draft recruits were members of its academy set up.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-11-25/ten-to-watch-in-the-nab-afl-rookie-draft
