This weekend will see a number of VFL and TAC Cup draftees make their AFL debut. As the teams start to be announced for this weekend’s matches, the list of debutants is starting to grow from the VFL and TAC Cup ranks.
Former Murray Bushranger Shaun Atley will make his debut for Nth Melbourne, after being selected at pick 17 in the 2010 draft.
"Our first pick from last year Shaun Atley will make his debut which we're really excited about. He's earned his spot in the side. We've clearly picked our best 22 that we think can win the game and Shaun's forced his way into that side which is really exciting for him,” Nth Melbourne coach Brad Scott said.
In other early draftee news:
- Gippsland Power first round draft pick and 2010 co Morrish medal winner Dyson Heppell will make his debut against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, Essendon coach James Hird confirmed on Thursday. After a reduced squad of 26 Essendon players trained at Etihad Stadium, Hird said 18-year-old Heppell, who was taken with pick eight in last year's NAB AFL Draft, would face the Bulldogs. "I’d say that Dyson Heppell is very close to being in the team and will probably play his first game this week," Hird said. “Sometimes it takes some guys more time to play their first game, but Dyson’s lucky to be playing in round one and we just hope that he plays well and enjoys the experience."
- Former Dandenong Stingray Jake Batchelor will make his debut for Richmond on Thursday night. Taken at pick 30 in the national draft, Batchelor was the Stingrays best and fairest in 2010
- Fremantle will unveil first-round draft pick Jayden Pitt against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night. Coach Mark Harvey confirmed that Pitt, the No.20 selection at the 2010 NAB AFL Draft from the Geelong Falcons, will make a surprise debut after impressing with his composure and maturity in late pre-season matches. The slightly built 18-year-old was expected to develop his 70kg frame before pushing for selection, but Harvey said the highly skilled midfielder was equipped for AFL football.
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Last Modified on 24/03/2011 17:36