The AFL has announced the eighth group of players, Ruckmen, to be invited to the NAB AFL Draft Combines to be held this week as part of its talent identification process in the lead up to the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.
The NAB AFL Draft Combine, involving 114 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).
The Ruckmen group comprises 17 players who play predominantly ruck and key forward roles and includes two All-Australian in Joe Daniher and Brodie Grundy from the NAB AFL Under-18 and three players who are members or graduates of the AIS-AFL Academy.
“In the 26 year history of the AFL Draft, ruckmen have proven to be the most popular choice in being selected number one with six ruckman having that honour, including Jeff White (Fremantle 1994), Michael Gardiner (West Coast Eagles 1996 ), Josh Fraser (Collingwood 1999) and Matthew Kruezer (Carlton 2007)” said AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan.
In all, over 220 players have been invited to test at the NAB AFL Draft Combines.
2012 NAB AFL Draft Combine – National
Victoria
Joe Daniher
Club: Calder Cannons
Height: 201cm
Weight: 89kg
DOB: 04.03.94
“Left-footed tall forward/ruckman who is exceptional overhead and an accurate set shot for goal. Has rare mobility for a player of his size and can win the ball at ground level up the field. Signed father/son to Essendon, where father Anthony played. Excelled in the final game of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, taking 11 marks and kicking four goals. Won All-Australian honours. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.”
Darcy Fort
Club: Geelong Falcons
Height: 203cm
Weight: 84kg
DOB: 06.08.93
“Developing ruckman in his first year with the Geelong Falcons as a 19 year-old. Fiercely competitive and passionate player who can also be dangerous when pushing forward. Agile and a good decision maker. He has averaged 10 disposals, 3.5 marks, 25.9 hit-outs and 3.4 tackles in his 10 matches at TAC Cup Level.”
Sam Gilmore
Club: Northern Knights
Height: 200cm
Weight: 93kg
DOB: 26.03.93
“Strong, physical ruckman who is still learning the game after crossing from basketball. His appetite for the contest and his ability to provide his midfield team mates with first use of the ball through hit-outs are a real strength of his game. Has also shown at times that he can push forward and provide a strong target. Played all five games with the Division One Titlists Vic Metro at this year’s NAB AFL Under-18 Championships where he carried the ruck duties on his own and dominated the hit-outs on most occasions.”
Liam McBean
Club: Calder Cannons
Height: 202cm
Weight: 84kg
DOB: 25.08.94
“Lightly framed ruckman/key defender who can win the ball in the air and at ground level. Very agile player who is gifted athletically and makes good decisions with the football. Is an accurate shot for goal when he goes forward. Played mainly as a key defender in the 2012 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships where he’s still developing his game. Dangerous as a tall forward.AIS-AFL Academy graduate.”
Lewis Pierce
Club: Dandenong Stingrays
Height: 202cm
Weight: 87kg
DOB: 16.11.94
“An exciting young ruckman with good endurance and the ability to take a nice overhead mark. Has genuine football smarts and very good game sense and awareness. His tap work is very good, as is his ability to cover the ground and provide a tall mobile target. Has shown he can also go forward on occasions and be effective. His leadership and football character are excellent. Played in four of five games for Vic Country at this year’s NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.”
Chris Prowse
Club: Oakleigh Chargers
Height: 203cm
Weight: 92kg
DOB: 26.02.93
“19 year-old ruckman that started the year in promising fashion being the number one ruckman for hit-outs in the TAC Cup before suffering a foot injury. Has since comeback and impressed with his ability to take contested marks and dominate the stoppages with his tap work. A genuine competitor who is also effective at ground level, as well as in the air. Has shown he is more than capable of pushing forward and playing out of the goal square where he has been able to kick goals. Played one game as the 23rd player with VFL team Port Melbourne in Round 21.”
2012 NAB AFL Draft Combines – State
Melbourne
Kyle Hendy
Club: North Ballarat Rebels
Height: 199cm
Weight: 93kg
DOB: 26.02.94
Lachlan Mirams
Club: Sandringham Dragons
Height: 197cm
Weight: 77kg
DOB: 31.06.94
Dean Robertson
Club: North Ballarat Rebels
Height: 200cm
Weight: 91kg
DOB: 21.08.94
Last Modified on 02/10/2012 09:49