Six Murray Bushrangers have been invited to attend the 2014 National Draft Combine to be held at Etihad Stadium from September 30 through to October 4 2014. The Draft combine involves 96 talented footballers from across the country testing their fitness, football skills and mental strength under the watchful eye of AFL clubs in preparation for the November draft.
The following players have been nominated;
- Brydon Hodgson (Lavington / New South Wales / ACT Rams)
- Nick Coughlan (Albury / New South Wales ACT Rams)
- Caleb Marchbank (Benalla / Victorian Country)
- Dougal Howard (Albury / New South Wales / ACT Rams)
- Dan Howe (Rennie / Victorian Country)
- Nathan Drummond (Mooroopna / Victorian Country)
Talent Manager Lee Fraser confirmed that AFL Clubs have expressed interest in each of these players based on form at both TAC CUP and State under 18 Championship Level. “In order to be invited to the National Combine each players needs a minimum number of nominations from AFL Clubs, it is a great reflection on the improvement of each player across the course of the season’.
“This is a great outcome for the club and in particular the staff who put so much time and effort in creating a professional environment for the players’. ‘It is also great acknowledgement for our local clubs and leagues throughout the North East & Goulburn Murray’.
Fraser was also full of praise for both the Victorian Country State Academy and New South Wales ACT Rams Program. “We work closely with both programs and to see three boys from each of these programs is a great reflection on how well we work together, Leon Harris (Vic Country) and Darren Denneman (Rams) have been outstanding in their support of the region’.
The announcement of the National Combine list will be followed by state screening sessions to be conducted across Australia, it is anticipated more Bushrangers will be invited along to either the New South Wales or Victorian screening session, this is due to be announced early next week.
Fraser highlighted that there is a long way to go for each of the players, ‘History suggests that players invited to National Combines don’t necessarily get drafted and those who haven’t received an invitation have had their name called out on draft day’. “Whilst it is a great acknowledgement for all of these boys they remain motivated to impact the remainder of the season as the Bushrangers push for a berth in the TAC CUP finals series’
Last Modified on 28/07/2014 16:25