ARTICLE COURTESY OF www.afl.com.au
By Staff writers
BRISBANE LIONS
Richard Newell
Undoubtedly the club's best runner at full fitness, Newell has had a solid second season, playing almost every game in the twos. Has played on a wing and half-forward for much of the year. Big decision on whether to give him another season.
COLLINGWOOD
Michael Hartley
The NSW scholarship recipient has managed just two VFL games in the past 12 months, after persistent shoulder concerns. Has had season-ending surgery on one shoulder with the other to be operated on soon. May find the going tough to be retained on the list next season.
FREMANTLE
Craig Moller
The 204-centimetre former basketballer averaged 15 hit outs per game in 10 matches for Peel Thunder in the WAFL. It is Moller's first senior season and he is seen as a long-term investment for the Dockers.
HAWTHORN
Will Langford
The son of 303-game Hawthorn champion Chris, Langford made his AFL debut against the Western Bulldogs in round 17. A hard-at-it player with excellent endurance, the 21-year-old has thrived in the VFL as a run-with midfielder since switching from half-back. An injury-free run has also helped. "His development has been fantastic this year; we think we've got a player," Fagan said. "We're really excited about the future with him." It wouldn't be a complete shock to see Langford win promotion to the senior list in 2014.
SYDNEY SWANS
Brandon Jack
The younger brother of Swans co-captain Kieren has surpassed all expectations this year. Considered a fair distance from senior football at the start of the season, his improvement was rapid and he was elevated to the senior list in June. The 19-year-old has played eight games in total, providing some of the outside run and skills around goal missing due to the injuries to fellow speedsters Lewis Jetta and Gary Rohan.
Sam Naismith
A real project player taken with the 58th and final pick in last year's rookie draft, Naismith is a 203cm ruckman who has barely been seen this year due to thumb and knee complaints. He finally returned to the field in the reserves last week and will be hopeful of showing some good form and signs of development to close out the season.
Dane Rampe (pictured)
It certainly has been a whirlwind 12 months for the young Sydney-sider. Battling away in the local competition this time last year, he was given a lifeline by the Swans and it proved a masterstroke. Elevated to the senior list prior to round one due to Alex Johnson's season-ending knee injury, Rampe has played 18 of a possible 20 games and proven a super-reliable defensive option. The very model of rookie list success.
Daniel Robinson
The NSW scholarship holder was rookie listed after showing promise as an inside midfielder and he has carried that into his first year on the Swans' list. Named among the best reserve players a number of times over the season, he should have done enough to earn another year on the rookie list in 2014.
To see all of the rookies' progress; visit the full article at http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-08-21/where-are-you-clubs-rookies-at
Last Modified on 21/08/2013 14:33
