In this article, we have a look at what took the fancy of the AFL clubs when it came to the players drafted from AFL Sydney.
Dane Rampe (pictured top left- UNSW/ES Bulldogs to Sydney Swans)- pick 41 Rookie Draft
Dane had a dynamic year for AFL Sydney; claiming the Phelan Medal, named NSW/ACT Best Player and in All-Australian Team at the Australian Country Football Championships (ACFC), as well as being a vital cog in the UNSW/ES Bulldogs premiership side. His pedigree goes back from there having played with Williamstown in the VFL previous to this year- and was stiff in some quarters to not be rookie-listed by the Western Bulldogs in 2010.
Sydney Swans List and Recruiting Manager- Kinnear Beatson was full of praise for Rampe, saying he was a "great story" being Sydney born and bred and someone who can play a utility role in the Swans set up. Beatson also saw benefits in Rampe that he is a bit older, is extremely fit and "couldn't have done any more" after being recognised by recruiting consultant, Rick Barham at the ACFC.
Craig Moller (pictured directly above- Balmain, Sydney University to Fremantle)- pick 51 Rookie Draft
Moller has been in the Dockers' eyes ever since he was introduced to the club through the NSW Scholarship Scheme at age 14. Now 203cm and 84kg, the developing ruckman is regarded as talented and an "exceptional athlete" with 20m sprint times comparable to Nic Naitanui at the same age. Moller was NSW's best player at the Under 16 National Championships.
Daniel Robinson (St Ignatius, Riverview to Sydney Swans)- pick 57 Rookie Draft (Sydney Scholarship)
Beatson said Robinson was one of the standout performers in this year’s state championships.
“Daniel was one of the better players for the NSW/ACT RAMS during the under-18 competition and impressed us as an inside midfielder.”
Robinson, who attends St Ignatius Riverview and plays for the Mosman Swans and Riverview, is a scholarship player and was rookie-listed without going through the rookie draft.
Brandon Jack (Pennant Hills to Sydney Swans)- pick 64 Rookie Draft (pre-selection, zone selection)
The romantics would love to say a brotherly connection got Brandon Jack over the line to play with brother, Kieren, but Beatson was quick to point out that was not the case and that Brandon has great potential as an outside midfielder.
According to Beatson, Brandon's NSW/ACT and Academy form was "OK to solid."
What he does have though is genuine leg speed, and has been compared to Lewis Jetta in this regard. Beatson noted this year's AIS Camp lacked this valuable asset. He said Brandon has lots to learn but the club was keen to secure him and develop his leg speed.
Sam Naismith (North Shore to Sydney Swans)- pick 65 Rookie Draft
Naismith is another great story having come from Gunnedah (Tamworth AFL) to be noticed with North Shore this year. Naismith is a likely type being 200+cm and strongly built. He is strong below his knees and agile for his size. The Swans were keen to secure Naismith to bolster their ruck stocks.
Last Modified on 12/12/2012 11:28
