The AFL today released the names of the eight players who are invited to the NAB AFL Draft Combine and are eligible for the Greater Western Sydney Trade Incentive, “mini draft”, to be held at the end of the AFL’s trade period in October 2011.
AFL National Talent Manager, Kevin Sheehan, said the players were selected as the highest-ranked by the popular vote of the AFL clubs from the 26 players who had nominated for the Mini Draft, restricted to eligible players who had turned 17 years of age between January 1 and April 30 in 2011.
“The list includes four players who achieved All Australian honours at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championship held this year in Western Australia’s Jaegar O’Meara , South Australia’s pair Brodie Grundy and Ben Kennedy, along with Victoria Country’s Brad Crouch,” he said.
The following three TAC Cup players have been invited to attend the Draft Combine, noting that AFL Clubs can also consider all players in the pool of 26:
Brad Crouch
Club: North Ballarat Rebels/Beaufort FC
Age: 17
Height: 184 cm
Weight: 83 kg
“He had an outstanding year in the TAC Cup and NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, winning All Australian Honours. Excels with his ball winning across half back or midfield and makes good decisions with the footy. He was selected in the AIS/AFL Academy 15th intake which comes together this month.”
Matthew Haynes
Club: Northern Knights/Carey Grammer
Age: 17
Height: 190 cm
Weight: 76 kg
“Dashing tall midfielder whose breakaway pace is his x-factor. He averaged 14.2 disposals at 70.2 efficiency in the NAB AFL U18s Championships this year. He was part of the AIS/AFL Academy in the 14th intake.”
Nick Vlastuin
Club: Northern Knights/Eltham FC
Age: 17
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 83 kg
“Strongly built midfielder who attacks the ball strongly and excels at clearances. He missed the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships due to injury but excelled at NAB AFL U16s level in 2010, winning the Victorian Metro’s MVP award. Part of the AIS AFL Academy in 2010/11.”
Last Modified on 13/09/2011 09:18