The AFL last week announced the fourth group of players, Medium Forwards, 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 October 2-5, with state Draft Combines to be held in Melbourne (October 6), Adelaide (October 13) and Perth (October 14).
This extremely talented group comprises of 17 players are between 180cm-189cm in height and play predominantly up forward in a multitude of roles. It includes four All-Australians from the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and eight players who are members or graduates of the AIS-AFL Academy.
“Medium forwards can play the role of a lead-up high forward, a deeper marking option or a crumbing goal-kicker. These players must have the mindset and ability to apply defense pressure as well,” 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:
4 September – Tall Defenders
11 September – Tall Forwards
18 September – Ruckmen
Medium Forwards
2012 NAB AFL Draft Combine – National
Victoria
Rory Atkins
Club: Calder Cannons
D.O.B.: 12 Jul, 1994
Height: 183cm
Weight: 75kg
Medium forward with very good agility and composure with the ball. Makes good decisions with his disposal either by hand or on his preferred left foot. Plays as a hit-up half forward who is a good overhead mark as well as being clean at ground level. Played two games for Vic Metro and is averaging 21 disposals per game at TAC Cup level. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.
Taylor Garner
Club: Dandenong Stingrays
D.O.B.: 8 Jan, 1994
Height: 186cm
Weight: 77kg
Medium forward who was a real surprise packet in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships with his mobility and overhead marking features. Showed good footy nous as a forward averaging 3.5 tackles and 14.8 disposals. 2012 All-Australian.
Louis Herbert
Club: North Ballarat Rebels
D.O.B.: 26 Jun, 1994
Height: 186cm
Weight: 70kg
A very athletic, lightly built forward with excellent pace as well as endurance that can play multiple roles. Regularly impacts the scoreboard and possesses a penetrating right foot kick while also displaying strong hands overhead when he competes in the air. Kicked a career best eight goals against Murray in Round 8 of the TAC Cup and also appeared in one game for Vic Country at Under-18 level.
Ben Kearns
Club: Gippsland Power
D.O.B.: 12 Nov, 1994
Height: 183cm
Weight: 73kg
Medium forward/midfielder who is very quick and clean and uses the ball well by foot. Been impressive both up forward and in midfield with three games for Vic Country averaging 16.3 disposals (eight contested) and five inside 50s.
Jason Pongracic
Club: Dandenong Stingrays
D.O.B.: 21 Apr, 1994
Height: 182cm
Weight: 86kg
Medium midfielder who is super competitive and has a good understanding of the game. Has unrelenting work ethic and a real presence around stoppages. Uses the ball well by hand and foot and is aggressive in his attack on the ball. Played for Vic Country at AFL Under-18 level in 2011 and 2012 although restricted by injury this year. Member of the AIS-AFL Academy in 2011-12.
2012 NAB AFL Draft Combines – State
Victoria
Nick Newman
Club: Dandenong Stingrays
D.O.B.: 15.1.93
Height: 186cm
Weight: 76kg
Jacob Zboril
Club: Eastern Ranges
D.O.B.: 29.10.94
Height: 183cm
Weight: 74kg
Last Modified on 05/09/2012 23:08