Archive for the ‘Draft’ Category

Boyd stars as Ranges outclass Tasmania

Posted on May 6th, 2013 by Tao Baker

THE Tasmanian under 18′s have suffered a 59 point loss to the Eastern Ranges in their first game this year as part of their lead up to the 2013 NAB National Championships. In very cold conditions the match started out as a scrappy affair with Eastern eventually settling their nerves better and setting up a

TAC Cup wrap: Iaccarino making up for lost time for Jets

Posted on April 29th, 2013 by Brent Diamond

WESTERN Jets’ top-ager David Iaccarino was again one of the best in the Jets’ 11-point loss to the Dandenong Stingrays on the weekend – and it appears the 19 year-old is trying to make the most of his opportunities. He was limited to just 10 matches last season because of school commitments and told the

TAC Cup wrap: Jets, Ranges make a statement

Posted on April 22nd, 2013 by Brent Diamond

IN the split round four, the Western Jets won a nail-biter over the Oakleigh Chargers by one-point. James Sicily was the star for the Jets with three goals. while Brent Ellis was also influential in the win. The Eastern Ranges bounced to sixth spot with a 46-point win over the Northern Knights. Ranges coach Darren

TAC Cup wrap: Tardio shines but fails to deliver knockout for Knights

Posted on April 8th, 2013 by Brent Diamond

JESSE Tardio, one of the most talented Knights players this season, had the opportunity to win the match for the Northern Knights against the Sandringham Dragons but sprayed two shots in the final term in tough conditions. The match eventuated in a draw after Karl Amon from the Dragons kicked a goal to give Sandy

Jets, Dragons run out impressive winners

Posted on April 1st, 2013 by Tao Baker

WITH the stars of the competition leaving for their tour of Europe with the AIS-AFL Academy, Sunday’s TAC Cup round two double header was a chance for some of the other AFL draft hopefuls to step up and put their names forward. Western Jets 17.7.109 defeated Northern Knights 15.12.102 The Western Jets faced off against

Future AFL stars kick off TAC Cup season at Visy Park

Posted on March 25th, 2013 by Tao Baker

THIS year’s Victorian AFL draft hopefuls were on display for the first time in 2013 on Sunday at Visy Park as the TAC Cup season kicked off with a triple header featuring all six metro teams. Northern Knights 15.7 (97) def Calder Cannons 11.9 (75)  Game one saw the Calder Cannons take on the Northern

Wasley-Black puts name in recruiters sights with early season form

Posted on February 12th, 2013 by Tao Baker

SEVENTEEN year old Northern Territory defender Errin Wasley-Black is looming as an early pick in this year’s AFL draft after some excellent form in the NTFL recently. After making his senior debut for Waratah in round fifteen, Wasley-Black was best on ground for the Warriors in just his second game last week against a Southern

Robertson shines in WA trial

Posted on February 6th, 2013 by Tao Baker

WEST Perth’s Nick Robertson was the stand out performer in an under 18 state squad exhibition match at Arena Joondalup on Saturday. Playing in the midfield, Robertson dominated in the short practice match that was played after a day of physical testing and interviews with AFL recruiters. Robertson, who had an injury plagued 2012 but

First look at the 2013 Draft prospects

Posted on January 28th, 2013 by Tao Baker

IS IT ever too early to start looking ahead to the NEXT draft? We don’t think so! As we move into the final weeks before the NAB Cup competition begins, guest writer TAO BAKER takes a look at some of the names that we will be seeing a lot of in the lead-up to the 2013 Draft

2012 AFL Pre-Season Draft Selections

Posted on December 11th, 2012 by Football Nation

THE AFL Pre-season Draft was held today, Tuesday December 11, with the following players being selected:                 Round One 1. GWS Giants – Bret Thornton (Carlton) 2. Western Bulldogs – Pass 3. Port Adelaide - Sam Colquhoun (Central Districts) 4. Brisbane – Pass 5. Richmond – Pass 6. Essendon

2012 AFL Rookie Draft Selections

Posted on December 11th, 2012 by Football Nation

THE AFL Rookie Draft was held today, Tuesday December 11, with the following players being selected:           Academy Selections Brisbane – Jordon Bourke Gold Coast – Andrew Boston GWS Giants – Zack Williams Sydney Swans – Brandon Jack   Round One 1. GWS Giants – Pass 2. Western Bulldogs - Leigh Osborne (Frankston) 3.

Port set to say “no” on Jurrah

Posted on December 10th, 2012 by Football Nation

TROUBLED former Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah had been training with Port Adelaide for the last few weeks and while the Power were interested in signing him they have today announced that they will pass on him at tomorrow’s Draft. But they are keeping the door wide open. Port Adelaide General Manager – Football, Peter Rohde,

2012 Rookie and Pre-season Draft Targets

Posted on December 10th, 2012 by Football Nation

IN the lead up to the AFL’s Pre-season and Rookie Drafts on December 11, Football Nation’s senior contributing writer Brent Diamond takes a look at some of the prospects that AFL clubs are targeting

Rookie draft target: Orren Stephenson

Posted on December 8th, 2012 by Football Nation

WHEN Geelong selected him with the 78th pick of the 2011 National Draft, Orren Stephenson became the oldest first-time draftee in AFL history. But after the Cats delisted him at the end of the 2012 season, his hopes to make it back to the AFL now lie with Richmond. After trading with North Melbourne for

2012 AFL Pre-Season & Rookie Draft Order

Posted on December 7th, 2012 by Football Nation

THE AFL has announced the draft order for the Pre-season and Rookie Drafts to be held next Tuesday on December

Rookie draft prospect: Adam Marcon

Posted on December 5th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

NORTHERN Blues midfielder Adam Marcon won the Coaches Award on Liston Trophy night; perhaps an award that should be held in a higher honour if not as high as the Liston itself. Marcon’s overall dominance in the league was phenomenal at times given that he led the Blues from the front, helping to unify the

UPDATE: Pre-season draft target: Ben Duscher

Posted on December 5th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

BENDIGO’S Ben Duscher has been informed that he is no longer in line for a spot on the Western Bulldogs’ list after training with them over the past month

Pre-season draft target: Sam Colquhoun

Posted on December 5th, 2012 by Football Nation

AFTER surprisingly going undrafted at last month’s National Draft, South Australian Sam Colquhoun has been training at two clubs over the last week and looks set to be picked up by Port Adelaide. Colquhoun was a standout performer at the Under 18s National Championships and was awarded the gong for South Australia’s most valuable player. But on draft

UPDATE: Rookie draft target: Khan Haretuku

Posted on December 5th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

FRANKSTON’S Khan Haretuku has been sounded out by Sydney in the lead up to next week’s pre-season and rookie draft

Rookie draft prospect: Kyle Martin

Posted on December 5th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

COLLINGWOOD has shown some significant interest in recruiting Frankston on-baller Kyle Martin as a rookie in next week’s AFL rookie draft. It is understood the Pies are deciding between Martin and Port Melbourne midfielder Sam Dwyer, while mature age ruckman Ben Hudson, from the Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs, is almost a given to

Rookie draft target: Callum Sinclair

Posted on December 4th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

FOR some, moving to another state league to prove their talent works wonders for their careers. For Callum Sinclair, it has provided another string to his bow to play a dominant attacking ruck role for Subiaco in the WAFL. The former Port Melbourne player was always a draft prospect at the Borough but wasn’t able

Rookie draft target: Travis Tuck

Posted on December 2nd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

TALK about Dane Swan and other players reportedly getting second chances at their clubs this week. How about former Hawk Travis Tuck? He was the first AFL player to be deregistered from the ranks due to reaching three strikes under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy and was ultimately canned from Hawthorn’s list despite being invited

Rookie draft target: Ben Ross

Posted on December 2nd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

STRAIGHT after being told that he was no longer required by North Melbourne, Ben Ross came out and had a blinder with Werribee in last year’s finals series. It is that type of attitude that has got him into this position; another crack at an AFL career. Ross, who took out this year’s Liston Trophy

Pre-season draft target: Nick Lower (1 UPDATE)

Posted on December 2nd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

DELISTED Fremantle midfielder/defender Nick Lower could be off to his third AFL club if he impresses the Western Bulldogs enough while training with them this week. Lower, who was originally drafted to Port Adelaide, played 22 matches with Fremantle over the past two seasons. He plays mainly on a half back flank but can play

Rookie draft target: Adam Cockie

Posted on December 2nd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

ADAM Cockie, a former West Coast rookie, is burning up the training track at St Kilda and may well find himself on a clubs’ rookie list next week. So often, players who have been delisted from AFL clubs and return to state leagues, are destined to dominate. Cockie was one of those who flocked from

Pre-season draft target: Matthew Bate

Posted on December 2nd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

PERHAPS unlucky to be delisted by Melbourne, utility Matthew Bate has shown enough at VFL level over the past two seasons to give himself every opportunity of a second chance. Bate has been a vital cog up forward for the Casey Scorpions in the VFL, where he worked in tandem with Brendan Fevola last year

Pre-season draft target: Brett Goodes

Posted on November 29th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

THERE is talk that the brother of Sydney superstar Adam Goodes is destined to be on the Western Bulldogs list next season. Brett Goodes, who played at the Bulldogs affiliate Williamstown last season, could be the mature age recruit that bolsters the Bulldogs midfield and defensive unit. The 29-year-old has formerly played at North Ballarat

Rookie draft target: Leigh Osborne

Posted on November 29th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

GOLD Coast has invited Frankston midfielder Leigh Osborne to train with it in the lead up to the rookie draft but there is believed to be a number of clubs interested in him. The Dolphins have also had one of their players drafted – Dylan Van Unen – to Essendon and Osborne may well be

Rookie draft target: Sam Dwyer

Posted on November 27th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

COLLINGWOOD is interested in Port Melbourne premiership midfielder Sam Dwyer, who has been continually overlooked in recent AFL drafts. Dwyer, who played the VFL grand final loss to Geelong with a fractured leg that wasn’t fully healed, has been on the radar for AFL recruiters for some time and the Warrnambool product is perhaps gearing

Pre-season draft target: Dayle Garlett

Posted on November 27th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

FOR one reason or another, talented youngster Dayle Garlett was overlooked by every single club in the national AFL draft. He is tagged a bad boy and clubs simply look to avoid any trouble or off field blemishes for their organisation despite the uncanny talent that Garlett offers. He was offered some hope today when

No joy for delisted AFL players

Posted on November 23rd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

FORMER Essendon midfielder Sam Lonergan, former Gold Coast player Josh Toy, former North Melbourne goalsneak Matt Campbell and former Fremantle defender Dylan Roberton were all overlooked in last night’s AFL draft. Others included troubled players Daniel Connors and Jason Gram, who appear to now be at long odds to continue their AFL careers. Their only hope remains in

Van Unen and Jones become quick fixes for clubs

Posted on November 23rd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

ESSENDON chose Frankston’s 22-year-old Dylan Van Unen at pick 51 in last night’s AFL draft and expect him to play at senior level next season along with Nick Kommer from East Perth, who was taken later in the draft. Melbourne also chose Box Hill Hawks midfielder Matt Jones, a 25 year old who was one of

DRAFT RECAP: Who Went Where

Posted on November 23rd, 2012 by Football Nation

WE take a club by club look at this year’s draft and, where we have them, we link to our prospect profiles for more details and video of individual players

Draft prospect in focus: Jackson Thurlow

Posted on November 22nd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Jackson Thurlow Defender, Launceston TAS 18yo, 180cm, 79kg,  HAS been one of the big movers in the draft and is set to come into calculations with Geelong’s first selection. The Tasmanian reads the ball well off half back and delivers with precision. He averaged close to 25 disposals in the national carnival and won All-Australian

NEW: 2012 AFL Draft Rumours

Posted on November 22nd, 2012 by Football Nation

WITH the 2012 AFL Draft looming on November 22, Football Nation takes a look at the draft rumours making the rounds

BREAKING: Crows give up their first two picks in draft

Posted on November 21st, 2012 by Football Nation

IN a surprising (and some may say bewildering) move the Adelaide Crows have just announced that they will be surrendering their first two selections in tomorrow night’s draft to be held at the Gold Coast. The Crows were scheduled to enter the draft with picks 20, 54, 62, 81, 95 and now left with just the

RECAP: 2012 AFL Draft

Posted on November 21st, 2012 by Brent Diamond

LOG on to Football Nation from 7pm on Thursday night for a live blog from the Gold Coast for this year’s AFL draft. See who will end up at your club as we go through club by club at the conclusion. 7:00pm – Welcome to our live draft blog from the Gold Coast Convention Centre.

TAC Cup Draft History Summary

Posted on November 21st, 2012 by Ben Woods

OVER the past two weeks Football Nation guest writer Ben Woods took a look at the players that have made it into the AFL after playing in the TAC Cup competition. The full list of team draft histories are provided below.     Bendigo Pioneers Players Taken in National Draft: 41 (83.67%) Average Draft Position: 31.73 Number of Top 10

Draft prospect in focus: Aidan Corr

Posted on November 18th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Aidan Corr Tall Defender, Northern Knights/Macleod 195 cm, 86 kg 17/05/94,  HE’S unlikely to break into the top 10 but could has been the one who has certainly blasted into first round calculations of this year’s draft. The key defender is a chance to be a top 15 selection with Richmond showing the most interest

2012 AFL Draft Prospect Profiles

Posted on November 18th, 2012 by Football Nation

FOOTBALL Nation continues the process of compiling information and video highlights about the top prospects in the 2012 AFL Draft. As part of our coverage we are in the process of developing an extensive draft minisite that we will launch in the coming weeks but in the meantime we will be posting profiles and articles to

TAC Cup Draft History Profile: Western Jets

Posted on November 16th, 2012 by Ben Woods

AS we approach the 2012 AFL Draft on November 22, Football Nation guest writer Ben Woods takes a look at the players that have made it into the AFL after playing in the TAC Cup competition. The data below shows us the  stats for players that were selected from the Western Jets as at the end of the

Final 2012 AFL Draft Order

Posted on November 15th, 2012 by Football Nation

THE AFL has tonight released the final draft order for next Thursday’s draft to be held in the Gold Coast. Using our trade tracker we have attempted to include the transactions that led to various picks switching between clubs. Here is the finalised order:   ROUND ONE 1. Greater Western Sydney 2. Greater Western Sydney

The Football Nation 2012 AFL Mock Draft (UPDATED)

Posted on November 15th, 2012 by Football Nation

THIS year’s AFL Draft will be held on November 22nd at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. Between now and then we are having a crack at predicting who will go when and to which team: welcome to the Football Nation 2012 Mock Draft. We move on to version 4.0 of our mock draft with a look

TAC Cup Draft History Profile: Sandringham Dragons

Posted on November 15th, 2012 by Ben Woods

AS we approach the 2012 AFL Draft on November 22, Football Nation guest writer Ben Woods takes a look at the players that have made it into the AFL after playing in the TAC Cup competition. The data below shows us the  stats for players that were selected from the Sandringham Dragons as at the end of the

TAC Cup Draft History Profile: Oakleigh Chargers

Posted on November 14th, 2012 by Ben Woods

AS we approach the 2012 AFL Draft on November 22, Football Nation guest writer Ben Woods takes a look at the players that have made it into the AFL after playing in the TAC Cup competition. The data below shows us the  stats for players that were selected from the Oakleigh Chargers as at the end of the

TAC Cup Draft History Profile: Northern Knights

Posted on November 13th, 2012 by Ben Woods

AS we approach the 2012 AFL Draft on November 22, Football Nation guest writer Ben Woods takes a look at the players that have made it into the AFL after playing in the TAC Cup competition. The data below shows us the  stats for players that were selected from the Northern Knights as at the end of the

TAC Cup Draft History Profile: North Ballarat Rebels

Posted on November 9th, 2012 by Ben Woods

AS we approach the 2012 AFL Draft on November 22, Football Nation guest writer Ben Woods takes a look at the players that have made it into the AFL after playing in the TAC Cup competition. The data below shows us the  stats for players that were selected from the North Ballarat Rebels as at the end of

TAC Cup Draft History Profile: Murray Bushrangers

Posted on November 9th, 2012 by Ben Woods

AS we approach the 2012 AFL Draft on November 22, Football Nation guest writer Ben Woods takes a look at the players that have made it into the AFL after playing in the TAC Cup competition. The data below shows us the  stats for players that were selected from the Murray Bushrangers as at the end of the

Draft prospect in focus: Nick Graham

Posted on November 8th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Nick Graham Midfielder/utility, Gippsland Power VIC 182cm, 76kg 12/06/1994,  THIS year’s Morrish Medallist should end up being picked up in the top 30 given his top finish to the season. Was also a star during the finals and grand final with a spectacular display amassing possessions at will. He’s a good mark for his size,

Draft prospect in focus: Rory Atkins

Posted on November 8th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Rory Atkins Midfielder/forward, Calder Cannons (VIC) 183cm, 75kg 12/07/1994 VERSATILE midfielder who still needs to physically mature but is strong overhead for his size and is creative with plenty of drive as an outside midfielder. Will be in a clubs’ thinking around the mid 30s to 40 mark of the draft given his tenacity in close.

TAC Cup Draft History Profile: Gippsland Power

Posted on November 8th, 2012 by Ben Woods

AS we approach the 2012 AFL Draft on November 22, Football Nation guest writer Ben Woods takes a look at the players that have made it into the AFL after playing in the TAC Cup competition. The data below shows us the  stats for players that were selected from the Gippsland Power as at the end of the

Draft prospect in focus: Kamdyn McIntosh

Posted on November 7th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Kamdyn McIntosh Key position defender, Peel Thunder (WA) 192cm, 78kg 03/04/1994 DISCIPLINED defender that is closely being looked at by Geelong for its first round selection. Can play on talls and smalls and has a terrific endurance that will allow him to rebound with purpose out of defence. Can also push up to the wing

Draft prospect in focus: Kristian Jaksch

Posted on November 7th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Kristian Jaksch Key position forward/defender,  Oakleigh Chargers (VIC) 194cm, 85kg 07/10/1994 SHOWED his versatility in the TAC Cup grand final, playing roles in defence and up forward to prove he can be a match-winner at either end. Is Matthew Pavlich-like in the way that he is tall but has terrific athleticism. He’s an elite kick and

Draft prospect in focus: Sam Martyn

Posted on November 7th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Sam Martyn Midfielder, Murray Bushrangers Vic 176cm, 74kg  BALL magnet with a huge tank. Has a good size body already to show that he may be ready for the next level already. He scored 15.1 on the beep test and is the skipper of the Murray Bushrangers. Things to go against him will be his small stature and

Draft prospect in focus: Aliir Aliir

Posted on November 7th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Aliir Aliir Ruckman/forward, Aspley QLD 193cm, 82kg COULD this be the next Majak Daw? The high leaping ruckman showed plenty of glimpses in the Under 18 Championships to suggest that he will be on the radar in this year’s AFL draft. He may well be added as a late draft pick or rookie to be a

TAC Cup Draft History Profile: Geelong Falcons

Posted on November 7th, 2012 by Ben Woods

AS we approach the 2012 AFL Draft on November 22, Football Nation guest writer Ben Woods takes a look at the players that have made it into the AFL after playing in the TAC Cup competition. The data below shows us the  stats for players that were selected from the Geelong Falcons as at the end of

Draft prospect in focus: Cameron Banfield

Posted on November 6th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Cameron Banfield Utility, Sandringham Dragons (VIC)  183cm, 74kg 01/02/1994 CAN play in the midfield or up forward with a good goal sense. Is a precise kick and wins plenty of outside ball. He’s a strong tackler and could command a top 30 draft spot given he is an all-rounder. Sets up play well and creates great momentum

Draft prospect in focus: Tim O’Brien

Posted on November 6th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Tim O’Brien Key position forward, Glenelg (SA) 192cm , 81kg 28/03/1994 QUICK and agile forward who is a strong mark overhead. Is a reliable set shot at goal and his six goals in round one against Tasmania was perhaps one of his biggest highlights of the year. He gets to the right spots and makes

TAC Cup Draft History Profile: Eastern Ranges

Posted on November 6th, 2012 by Ben Woods

AS we approach the 2012 AFL Draft on November 22, Football Nation guest writer Ben Woods takes a look at the players that have made it into the AFL after playing in the TAC Cup competition. The data below shows us the  stats for players that were selected from the Eastern Ranges as at the end of

TAC Cup Draft History Profile: Dandenong Stingrays

Posted on October 31st, 2012 by Ben Woods

AS we approach the 2012 AFL Draft on November 22, Football Nation guest writer Ben Woods takes a look at the players that have made it into the AFL after playing in the TAC Cup competition. This year the Bendigo Pioneers have two top rated prospects in Taylor Garner, Jason Pongracic and the player many expect to be

2012 AFL Draft Order (UPDATED)

Posted on October 25th, 2012 by Football Nation

THE AFL has released the preliminary order of picks for the 2012 AFL Draft. The league has confirmed that there will be no priority picks this year, making it it the second consecutive year that the AFL has decided against giving the poorest performing teams any additional help to improve on-field performances in future years. This

Suns trade Tom Hickey to Saints

Posted on October 23rd, 2012 by Football Nation

AFTER ongoing interest and discussions between the two clubs going back to the beginning of October, the Gold Coast Suns have finally agreed to a deal to send Tom Hickey to St Kilda. The Suns have tonight confirmed that they have traded Hickey along with draft picks numbers 26 and 47 to the Saints in

Port Adelaide trades for two from Giants

Posted on October 23rd, 2012 by Football Nation

THE Port Adelaide Football Club has today broken the trade week deadlock by announcing a deal to acquire Jack Hombsch and Jake Neade from the GWS Giants in exchange for pick 29 in the forthcoming AFL Draft. The trade gives the Giants a bucketload of early draft picks as they now have selections 1,2,3, 12, 14 and

TAC Cup Draft History Profile: Bendigo Pioneers

Posted on October 22nd, 2012 by Ben Woods

AS we approach the 2012 AFL Draft on November 22, Football Nation guest writer Ben Woods takes a look at the players that have made it into the AFL after playing in the TAC Cup competition. This year the Bendigo Pioneers have two top rated prospects in Jake Stringer and the highly coveted Oliver Wines. The data below shows

Draft prospect in focus: Tim Broomhead

Posted on October 21st, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Tim Broomhead Utility, Port Adelaide (SA) 182cm, 73kg 22/03/1994,  CAN be a Mr Fix It for clubs in that he can play midfield, forward and back and has excellent speed and vision with the ball. He played an important role for SA in the Under 18 National Championships. Already has a strong inside game blossoming

Draft prospect in focus: Brodie Murdoch

Posted on October 21st, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Brodie Murdoch Forward, Glenelg (SA) 187cm, 85kg 21/01/1994 KEY forward who is likely to play in the future as a third tall on the forward line at a club. Has terrific speed and agility and impressed in the goalkicking test at the AFL draft camp with a score of 25 out of 30. Is one that

Draft prospect in focus: Adam Carter

Posted on October 21st, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Adam Carter Defender/midfielder, South Fremantle (WA) 179cm, 70kg 17/04/1994 VERSATILE player who can play deep in defence or as an attacking midfielder. He’s short but is an excellent kick with terrific penetration of the ball. Wins his own ball and perhaps is likened to a Heath Shaw or Brent Guerra because of his ability to generate

TAC Cup Draft History Profile: Calder Cannons

Posted on October 16th, 2012 by Ben Woods

AS we approach the 2012 AFL Draft on November 22, Football Nation guest writer Ben Woods takes a look at the players that have made it into the AFL after playing in the TAC Cup competition. The Calder Cannons are set to make a big impact on the 2012 Draft with a number of players

Suns strike deal with Giants to get Jack Martin

Posted on October 9th, 2012 by Football Nation

IN a deal the repeats the formula that last year netted highly fancied Jaeger O’Mara, the Gold Coast Suns last night struck a deal with the GWS Giants for the first pick in the mini-draft and used that pick to draft West Australian youngster Jack Martin. As part of  the deal the Suns and Giants have

Wellingham heads to Eagles for pick 17

Posted on October 9th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

COLLINGWOOD’S Sharrod Wellingham has got his wish to return home to Perth and head to the West Coast Eagles for pick 17; the Eagles’ first selection in this year’s draft. Wellingham, who was ultimately squeezed out by the Pies” salary cap, also had a desire to return home and has been one of the Pies’

Dees continue great start to off-season by dealing for Jesse Hogan

Posted on October 9th, 2012 by Football Nation

AFTER getting an early Christmas present yesterday when they acquired Father-Son selection Jack Viney for the 26th pick in this year’s draft, the Melbourne Football Club has dived back into the trade market and done a deal to secure WA youngster Jesse Hogan. Hogan is a solid and very tough 17 year old key forward and the

Saints snare Lee for pick 12

Posted on October 8th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

ST KILDA has snared one of the top mature age recruits in Claremont’s Tom Lee with its first selection in this year’s draft. The Saints departed with pick 12 in exchange for Lee and picks 24 and 43 from Greater Western Sydney. Lee is considered to be among the top 10 state league draft prospects.

Gold Coast passes on Viney, Christmas comes early for the Demons (2 Updates)

Posted on October 8th, 2012 by Football Nation

AFTER a lot of “toing and froing” in the media last week with Gold Coast suggesting it would use the second pick in the 2012 Draft on Jack Viney and Viney, for his part vowing to make the Melbourne Football Club pay if they pass on him, Christmas has come early for the Demons. In

Draft prospect in focus: Darcy Fort

Posted on October 7th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Darcy Fort Ruckman, Geelong Falcons/South Barwon (VIC) 203cm, 84kg 6/8/1993 IMPROVING ruckman who will be on the radar at the latter end of this year’s draft. The hard-working tap ruckman is a terrific tackler and one that is improving with his versatility around the ground. Likely to go on an AFL list as a development project

Draft prospect in focus: Jordan Bourke

Posted on October 7th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Jordan Bourke Key position prospect, Morningside (QLD) 193cm, 83kg 11/11/1994  GEELONG has opted against taking Bourke as a father-son selection in this year’s draft. Bourke is the son of Cats great Damian. Bourke played a couple of matches for Geelong’s VFL team this season along with Gold Coast. Is a key forward who can play

Draft prospect in focus: Andrew Boston

Posted on October 7th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Andrew Boston Midfielder/Forward, Broadbeach (QLD) 180cm, 75kg 23/03/1994  ONE of the most promising talents to come out of Queensland this year, Boston impressed at the AFL draft combine where he kicked the first perfect score in the goalkicking test. He can play in the midfield or in the forward line, adding some creativity to the mix.

2012 AFL Combine Results (Day 4)

Posted on October 6th, 2012 by Football Nation

THE AFL Draft Combine rolled through the fourth and final day yesterday at Etihad Stadium with all 114 invitees attending the AFL/AIS co-ordinated skills and athleticism testing.         The program for Day 4 covered the following areas: • Psychomotor Tests (reaction time / decision-making / peripheral awareness) • 3km Time Trial • Combine Review   (Click

AFL Combine tests top VFL Draft Prospects

Posted on October 5th, 2012 by Andrew Calleja

16 PLAYERS were drafted or rookie listed from the VFL in 2011 and while it’s doubtful that many will be picked up in 2012, the competition will still provide several mature aged prospects for season 2013. This week saw the NAB AFL National Draft Combine take place with Leigh Osborne [Frankston] and Round-Fothergill Medallist Dean

Dee-Day looms for Jack Viney

Posted on October 5th, 2012 by Football Nation

JACK Viney, the son of  former Melbourne great Todd Viney, will be drafted and will play in the AFL. The only questions is: who will he be playing for? As recently as a few weeks ago there would have been no doubt that he would be playing for anyone other than Melbourne, but a lot

2012 AFL Combine Results (Day 3)

Posted on October 5th, 2012 by Football Nation

THE AFL Draft Combine rolled through Day 3 yesterday at Etihad Stadium with all 114 invitees attending the AFL/AIS co-ordinated skills and athleticism testing.       The program for Day 3 covered the following areas: • Handball / Clean Hands • Kicking Assessment • Goal Kicking Assessment • Shuttle Run New to the combine this year is the

2012 AFL Combine Results (Day 2)

Posted on October 4th, 2012 by Football Nation

THE AFL Draft Combine continued yesterday at Etihad Stadium with all 114 invitees attending the AFL/AIS co-ordinated skills and athleticism testing.         The program for Day 2 covered the following areas: • Medical Screening • Sprint / Agility Testing • Club Interviews (Click here for the results from Day 1 of the Draft Combine)   Here are

Draft prospect in focus: Nathan Stark

Posted on October 3rd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Nathan Stark Midfielder,  Glenelg SANFL 177cm, 70kg 18 yo SMALL midfielder who has the footy smarts and competitive drive. Was a consistent performer for SA at the Under 18 Championships and averaged almost 19 disposals a game. He isn’t a stand-out from a skills perspective but clearly has pace and the aggression at the ball to

Draft prospect in focus: Louis Herbert

Posted on October 3rd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Louis Herbert Forward, North Ballarat Rebels (VIC) 186cm, 70kg 26 Jun, 1994 ATHLETIC forward who is compared to Sydney’s Gary Rohan such is his exciting talent around goal. Has tremendous pace and has a nice leap with a strong mark overhead. His penetrating kick is mind-blowing allowing him to become one of the most damaging

Draft prospect in focus: Brodie Grundy

Posted on October 3rd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Brodie Grundy Ruck, Sturt (SA) 202cm, 100kg 15/04/1994 RAPIDLY improving ruckman who comes from a basketball background. He never always dreamed of playing at the top level at footy but is geared to go in the top five picks in this year’s AFL draft. Is clearly the best ruckman in the mix. He’s a shaggy haired

Draft prospect in focus: Adam Saad

Posted on October 3rd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Adam Saad Defender, Calder Cannons (VIC) 177cm, 73kg 18 yo    ADAM Saad is a small defender who blitzed the 20m beep test with 2.81 seconds at the Draft Combine. Rebounds brilliantly from defence and averaged around 16 disposals a game at TAC Cup level this season. Played in the World Team in the NAB

Draft prospect in focus: Dean Towers

Posted on October 3rd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Dean Towers Versatile midfielder, North Ballarat VFL 189cm, 83kg 22 yo  Towers broke a 15 year old record in the AFL draft combine for the standing vertical jump, reaching 85cm surpassing that of former Hawk Trent Croad. Towers is certain to be plucked in this year’s AFL draft and is set to continue recent history

2012 AFL Combine Results (Day 1)

Posted on October 3rd, 2012 by Football Nation

THE AFL Draft Combine officially began yesterday at Etihad Stadium with all 114 invitees attending the AFL/AIS co-ordinated skills and athleticism testing.       Day 1 testing covered the following areas: • Fitness Assessment (height / weight / skinfolds / arm length / handspan) • Medical Checks • Individual Photos • Psychomotor Tests (reaction time / decision-making /

A look to the 2012 National Draft Combine

Posted on October 2nd, 2012 by Football Nation

THIS year’s NAB AFL Draft Combine will feature players invited from across the country to participate in the “t-shirt Olympics”  of the national level combine at Etihad Stadium from 2nd to 5th of October. This year there have been 111 players invited, classified according to seven position groups plus one additional grouping of International Players. Players

Macrae kicks winning point for Chargers

Posted on September 25th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

OAKLEIGH Chargers midfielder Jackson Macrae was the match-winner with the golden point in their grand final win over Gippsland Power at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Chargers coach Justin Wenke was full of praise for Macrae after the match. “He had a terrific start to the year and then obviously held that through with Vic Metro

LIVE BLOG RECAP: TAC Cup Grand Final

Posted on September 23rd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

FOOTBALL Nation blogged live from Etihad Stadium at 10:15am on Sunday September 23  for the TAC Cup grand final between the Gippsland Power and the Oakleigh Chargers. Our reporter Brent Diamond provided live updates from the ground to keep you in touch with who the star performers are in the lead up to this year’s

Draft prospect in focus: Ben Kennedy

Posted on September 20th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Ben Kennedy Forward/midfielder, Glenelg (SA) 174cm, 76kg 3/3/1994 THE All-Australian is almost certain to be selected among the top 20 picks this season after already attracting the interest of six AFL clubs. Has good speed, dangerous around goals and is a tough tackler. Despite the lack of height, he should get selected just as the

Top 10 state league draft prospects

Posted on September 20th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

BRENT DIAMOND rates the top 10 ready-made players that are almost certain to be drafted from state league clubs this season. 1. Adam Marcon (Northern Blues VFL) – Almost certain to go as a rookie with feeder club Carlton in the mix for his services. Has really established himself as a midfielder this season and

2012 TAC Cup grand final press conference

Posted on September 19th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

GIPPSLAND Power coach Nick Stevens says the performance of Tim Membrey in last week’s preliminary final holds him in good stead at the draft table. Membrey kicked eight goals to put the Power into the grand final against the Sandringham Dragons and will be one to watch in Sunday’s grand final against the Oakleigh Chargers

Membrey’s eight-goal haul in prelim

Posted on September 16th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

GIPPSLAND Power forward Tim Membrey has enhanced his draft credentials after kicking eight goals in the Power’s four-point preliminary final win over the Sandringham Dragons in a preliminary final at Visy Park yesterday. Membrey, considered to be a top 40 draft selection, may well become a bolster according to Gippsland regional manager Peter Francis. “He

Draft prospect in focus: Joe Daniher

Posted on September 15th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Joe Daniher Key position, Calder Cannons (VIC) 201cm, 89kg 04/03/1994 HAS developed into one of the TAC Cup’s key forwards and is set to taken as a father-son selection by the Bombers in the first round of this year’s draft. Cannons coach Marty Allison has warned that Daniher may take some time to develop his raw

Whitfield aims for round one

Posted on September 11th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

TOUTED No.1 draft prospect Lachie Whitfield is already eyeing off playing round one next season no matter which club he goes to according to Dandenong Stingrays regional manager Mark Wheeler. Wheeler said Whitfield, who played for the Stingrays in the TAC Cup semi final loss against the Oakleigh Chargers at Visy Park on Sunday, is

Herbert raises his name into AFL draft calculations

Posted on September 3rd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

SPEEDY North Ballarat Rebels forward Louis Herbert propelled his name further in AFL draft calculations after starring with five goals in the Rebels’two-point win in a qualifying final over the Sandringham Dragons at Visy Park yesterday. The lightly-built forward, who is one of a number of TAC Cup players invited to the National AFL draft

Draft prospect in focus: Jacob Ballard

Posted on September 2nd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Jacob Ballard Northern Knights (VIC) 186cm, 82kg 26/02/1994  REBOUNDING defender who competes well in the one-on-one contests. Has a big engine and is super competitive. Certainly played well for Vic Metro this season and has been invited to the National AFL draft Combine. Promising prospect who has attracted the interest of several AFL club recruiters.  

Draft prospect in focus: Josh Kelly

Posted on September 2nd, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Joshua Kelly Sandringham Dragons, VIC 180cm, 69kg 12.02.1995  ONE of the real risers in the mini-draft, it appears Kelly is now an almost certain selection in Greater Western Sydney’s mini-draft this year. The medium midfielder, a bottom-aged player, has neat disposal as a composed left footer. His father Phil played 62 games with North Melbourne after

Draft prospect in focus: Nathan Wright

Posted on August 18th, 2012 by Brent Diamond

Nathan Wright Defender/midfielder 183cm, 78kg 16/02/1994 Dandenong Stingrays (VIC) Athletic half back who provides plenty of rebound and resilience for his team. Can play on smalls and runs the lines really well. He missed some of the first half of the season through injury but has put together a nice patch of games. Can be