The AFL this week released the names of the Ruckmen who will attend the 2011 NAB AFL Draft Combines to be held at national and state level beginning October 4.
The national list includes nine players from Victoria, two from Western Australia, and one from Tasmania.
A further four Ruckmen will attend State Draft Combines in Melbourne and Perth in October.
AFL National Talent Manager, Kevin Sheehan, said a talented and diverse group of Ruckmen have been invited to this year’s Draft Combines.
“Two of the Ruck prospects have represented Australia in other sports last year; Tom Downie played basketball and Jackson Coleman played cricket at underage level at World Championships.”
2011 NAB AFL Draft Combine – National
Ruckmen
Jackson Coleman
Club: Sandringham Dragons
Age: 19
Height: 196 cm
Weight: 90 kg
“Left-footed ruckmen/tall forward who is strong overhead and an accurate kick for goal. Represented Australia at Under 19 level in the Cricket World Cup in New Zealand in 2010 but focused on AFL this season with encouraging results. He has averaged 14 disposals, seven marks and has kicked 34 goals this year for the Dragons.”
Leif Cope
Club: Eastern Ranges
Age: 19
Height: 203 cm
Weight: 98 kg
“Athletic ruckman who is still developing. He shows good ability below the knees and has averaged 11.4 disposals, four marks and three clearances with the Ranges this year.”
Tom Downie
Club: North Ballarat Rebels
Age: 18
Height: 205 cm
Weight: 95 kg
“Represented Australia in the World Under 17 Basketball Championships in Germany 2010 before playing football for St Patricks College Ballarat this year, then joining the Rebels at the end of the season for two matches, averaging 13 disposals showing outstanding natural talent.”
Todd Elton
Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Age: 18
Height: 197 cm
Weight: 92 kg
“Part of the 14th intake into the AIS/AFL Academy. He represented VIC Country at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships playing in all five games. He has the ability to gather the ball below his knees very well and dispose effectively. He shows great character and leadership on the field, averaging 12.6 disposals and six marks for the Stingrays this year ”
Jay Lever
Club: Geelong Falcons
Age: 18
Height: 200 cm
Weight: 86 kg
“Represented Vic Country at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships playing in all five games and averaging 10 hit outs. His strengths include his kicking ability, speed and agility, positioning, ability to play a required role, and marking when in front or on a lead. He has averaged 12.2 disposals and four marks for the Falcons.”
Billy Longer
Club: Northern Knights
Age: 18
Height: 202 cm
Weight: 96 kg
“All Australian Under 18 Ruckman who is mobile and excels at stoppages. He can go forward and be dangerous with his marking and speed off the mark. He has averaged 11.7 disposals and four marks with the Knights this year.”
Fletcher Roberts
Club: Sandringham Dragons
Age: 18
Height: 195 cm
Weight:84 kg
“Tall athletic player who can play at both ends of the ground and in the ruck. He reads the play very well, has good skills and uses his body extremely well. He had 21 disposals and kicked three goals in his season best game against Gippsland on the weekend. “
Cameron Tudor
Club: Geelong Falcons
Age: 19
Height: 195 cm
Weight: 78 kg
“Shows good athletic ability in the ruck and marking contests which has certainly been a highlight. Works hard to play his role for the team and is very team oriented.”
2011 NAB AFL Draft Combines – State
Jack Beech
Club: Sandringham Dragons
Age: 19
Height: 200 cm
Weight: 85 kg
Sam Gilmore
Club: Northern Knights
Age: 18
Height: 203 cm
Weight: 95 kg
Cam Williams
Club: Geelong Falcons
Age: 17
Height: 196 cm
Weight: 88 kg
A total of 104 players from all states and territories will attend the 2011 NAB AFL Draft Combine at national level at Etihad Stadium with names for this and for the State Draft Combines to be released in the following positional groups.
Last Modified on 06/09/2011 19:25