The TAC Cup competition has continued its dominance in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft with the selection of six players from the system in Tuesday’s Pre Season and Rookie Drafts.
These six players join the 33 draftees that were recruited in November’s Draft following their graduation from the 2012 TAC Cup program.
Will Hams from Gippsland Power was the first to have his name read out when selected with pick 6 by Essendon in the Pre Season Draft. With nine of the 17 picks passed, Hams was one of a select few that were recruited using this method.
Pick 10 of the Rookie Draft was the next time a 2012 TAC Cup players name would be read out, with Timothy McGenniss from the Dandenong Stingrays being recruited by North Melbourne.
McGenniss was a consistent midfielder for the Stingrays this season, taking out the region’s Best & Fairest Award after poling in nine of his 18 matches.
The next pick in the Rookie Draft saw Matthew Taberner from the Murray Bushrangers selected by the Fremantle Dockers. As a 19 year old, Taberner returned to the Bushrangers to play the final four matches of the season following a successful stint with Myrtleford in the Oven and Murray League. However, it was the athletic forwards staggering results at State Combine that caught the attention of recruiters.
North Ballarat Rebels player Jake Lloyd was the next to be snapped up by an AFL club, with the Sydney Swans taking him at pick 16. Lloyd impressed in season 2012 and consequently took out the inaugural TAC Cup Coaches Award.
It was yet again the Sydney Swans that selected the next TAC Cup player, recruiting Xavier Richards from the Sandringham Dragons with pick 29. At 195cm, the versatile Richards joins big brother Ted at the Swans.
The final 2012 TAC Cup graduate selected was Cadeyn Williams of the Murray Bushrangers. Williams was recruited by Richmond with pick 40 of the Rookie Draft. Producing strength beyond his years, Williams started the season off with a bang before succumbing to a shoulder injury that ended his year.
Congratulations to these six new recruits along with their 33 counterparts and best of luck for the next stage in their football careers.
Last Modified on 17/12/2012 10:58
