The AFL today announced the first group of players to be invited to the NAB AFL Draft Combines to be held in October 2012 as part of its talent identification process in the lead up to the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.
The NAB AFL Draft Combine, involving 120 players at National Level, will be held at Etihad Stadium from 2-5 October, with state Draft Combines to be held in Melbourne (6 October).
The first group comprises 32 players who are 180cm or under in height and play as small defenders, midfielders or forwards and includes five All-Australians from the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and four players who are graduates of the AIS-AFL Academy .
“Physical size has never stopped a player progressing to star at AFL level; if you’re good enough, you’re big enough has always been the catchcry in AFL. You only have to look at Hawthorn’s Cyril Rioli (177cm) or North Melbourne’s Brent Harvey (172 cm), both stars of the game; they set the game alight with their speed, agility and footy nous. This year’s group of “ smalls” includes players with similar capabilities, ” said AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan.
In all, over 200 players have been invited to test at the NAB AFL Draft Combines with other positioned groups to be released as follows:
14 August – Medium Midfielders
21 August – Medium Defenders
28 August – Medium Forwards
4 September – Tall Defenders
11 September – Tall Forwards
18 September – Ruckmen
2012 NAB AFL Draft Combine – National
Small defenders, midfielders or forwards:
Victoria
Will Hams
Club: Gippsland Power – TAC Cup
Age: 18
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 70 kg
“Small midfielder/defender that can also push forward if required. His relentless attack on the football and the opposition are a real feature of his game. Is very neat in his disposal either by hand or foot and possesses a never say die attitude. Averaged 11.5 disposals in four games for Vic Country at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.”
Nathan Hrovat
Club:Northern Knights – TAC Cup
Age: 18
Height:174 cm
Weight: 76 kg
“Dynamic small midfielder who is a prolific ball winner and great user of the footy. Averaged 25.2 disposals (10 contested) and 4.4 clearances in winning Vic Metro’s Most Valuable Player and All-Australian honours this year.”
Adam Saad
Club:Calder Cannons – TAC Cup
Age: 18
Height: 177 cm
Weight: 73 kg
“Small defender with excellent disposal and penetration on his preferred left foot. Reads the play very well, is agile and a fantastic overhead mark. Sets up counter attacks from half back regularly and is averaging 16.1 disposals this season at TAC Cup level. In 2011 played for the World team in NAB AFL Under-16 Championships and won the Most Valuable Player award. ”
Tom Temay
Club:Sandringham Dragons – TAC Cup
Age: 18
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 74 kg
“Small defender/midfielder who is a great competitor and is rarely beaten in a one-on-one contest. Prolific ball winner for Vic Metro averaging 18.8 disposals at 77.3 percent efficiency in NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. Father Paul played 52 games for St Kilda.”
Jack Viney
Club: Casey Scorpions – VFL/Oakleigh Chargers – TAC Cup
Age: 18
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 80 kg
“Left-footed small inside midfielder who attacks the ball with ferocity and tackles strongly. Was prominent for SA at NAB AFL Under-16 level in 2010 before shifting back to Victoria and playing for Vic Metro in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships in 2011. Signed father/son to Melbourne, where father Todd played. Played the last two NAB AFL Under-18 Championship matches for Vic Metro, this year averaging 17 disposals and four clearances.”
Jake Neade
Club: North Ballarat Rebels/ NT Thunder
Age: 18
Height: 170 cm
Weight: 64 kg
“Pocket rocket midfielder/forward who attacks the ball aggressively and tackles strongly. Has terrific speed and endurance and is very creative in setting up the play. Had an outstanding NAB AFL Under-18 Championships averaging 18.4 disposals and 3.6 tackles in winning the Harrison Medal (Div 2 B&F) and All-Australian honours.”
2012 NAB AFL Draft Combines – State
Anthony Bonnadio
Club: Northern Knights- TAC Cup
Age: 18
Height: 174 cm
Weight: 73 kg
Andrew Galucci
Club: Calder Cannons- TAC Cup
Age: 19
Height: 176 cm
Weight: 65 kg
Sean Hetherington
Club: Calder Cannons- TAC Cup
Age: 17
Height: 185 cm
Weight: 72 kg
Sam Martyn
Club: Murray Bushrangers – TAC Cup
Age: 18
Height: 176 cm
Weight: 74 kg
Harry O'Meara
Club: Bendigo Pioneers- TAC Cup
Age: 17
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 75 kg
Kenny Ong
Club: Sandringham Dragons- TAC Cup
Age: 18
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 72 kg
Nick Rippon
Club: North Ballarat Rebels- TAC Cup
Age: 18
Height: 176 cm
Weight: 79 kg
Anthony Tipungwuti
Club: Gippsland Power TAC Cup
Age: 19
Height: 174 cm
Weight: 72 kg
Jordan Williams
Club: Eastern Ranges –TAC Cup
Age: 18
Height: 178 cm
Weight: 77 kg
Last Modified on 08/08/2012 23:41