Eight former TAC Cup players who were first-round selections in the 2015 AFL Draft played in week 2 of the NAB Challenge on the weekend, giving fans of several clubs a glimpse into a promising future.
A host of Carlton’s TAC Cup draftees made appearances in the club’s 60-point loss to Essendon at Ikon Park on Sunday, headlined by Jacob Weitering (pick no.1, AFL Draft). The former Dandenong Stingrays key defender looked typically assured down back in his 83 per cent game time, with 19 disposals at 74 per cent efficiency, nine marks (two contested), three rebound-50s and three one-percenters.
Weitering’s fellow early draft picks at Carlton, Harry McKay (pick no.10, AFL Draft) and Charlie Curnow (pick no.12, AFL Draft), spent time inside 50 against the Bombers. Ex-Gippsland Power tall McKay kicked a goal in 34 per cent game time, while former Geelong Falcons key forward Curnow had 10 disposals, six marks and three inside-50s in 69 per cent game time in his second pre-season appearance.
Ex-Oakleigh Chargers teammates, smooth-moving midfielder David Cuningham (pick no.23, AFL Draft) and versatile tall Jack Silvagni (pick no.53, AFL Draft), were other young Blues to play limited game time on Sunday.
On the other side of the field, many eyes were on Essendon’s Darcy Parish (pick no.5, AFL Draft - pictured). The former Geelong Falcons midfielder had 18 disposals at 72 per cent efficiency, five marks and four clearances in just 58 per cent game time.
Another top draft selection, Clayton Oliver (pick no.4, AFL Draft), demonstrated his toughness in Melbourne’s 19-point win against Port Adelaide in Elizabeth, South Australia on Saturday. The big-bodied ex-Murray Bushrangers midfielder played 57 per cent game time, recording 11 disposals at 91 per cent efficiency and making four tackles.
Kieran Collins (pick no.26, AFL Draft) made his first appearance for the Western Bulldogs in the club’s 31-point victory over GWS in Canberra on Thursday night. The burly former Dandenong Stingrays key defender fitted into the back six well with 10 disposals at 90 per cent efficiency, four marks and three one-percenters in 80 per cent game time.
Ex-North Ballarat Rebels midfielder Jacob Hopper (pick no.7, AFL Draft) appeared for the Giants in the same game. The GWS Academy graduate had seven disposals at 100 per cent efficiency and booted a goal in 55 per cent game time.
Daniel Rioli (pick no.15, AFL Draft) found more of the ball in his second pre-season appearance for Richmond on Saturday than in his first game last week. In 72 per cent game time, the dynamic former North Ballarat Rebels forward collected 11 disposals (after having four last week) and kicked a goal in the Tigers’ 71-point defeat of Hawthorn in Beaconsfield.
Ex-Eastern Ranges forward Blake Hardwick (pick no.44, AFL Draft) made his first appearance for Hawthorn in the same match, having 12 disposals, taking three marks and kicking a goal. 181cm Hardwick won the TAC Cup’s goalkicking title in 2015, booting 56 goals in 16 games.
Related stories:
- TAC Cup draftees in NAB Challenge week 1
- TAC Cup draftees in NAB Challenge week 3
- TAC Cup draftees in NAB Challenge week 4
Last Modified on 15/03/2016 13:37