The Peter Jackson VFL season may be done and dusted for another year but the hard work has only just begun for four of the competition’s emerging stars.
Werribee duo Ben Brown and Luke McDonald, Frankston’s Sam Lloyd and Port Melbourne’s Chris Cain will be back in action today for the start of the NAB AFL Draft Combine.
Over four long days at Etihad Stadium, the quartet will be measured, tested – both physically and mentally – and endure gruelling interviews with AFL clubs.
The action was quick to begin this morning with players, grouped in their positions (tall defender, small defender etc.), measured from head to toe.
Their height and weight will be combined with skinfolds, arm length and handspan measurements to ensure every individual at the combine is mapped physically.
Highlights throughout the week include the sprint and agility test on Wednesday, the infamous beep test on Thursday, and the 3km time trial to conclude proceedings on Friday.
An invitation to the NAB AFL Draft Combine relies on interest from AFL clubs, with a nomination from at least five clubs needed for a player to receive the call up.
While Tigers wingman McDonald is almost guaranteed to be selected by North Melbourne under the father/son rule, Brown, Lloyd and Cain could well have their future decided by how well they test and interview throughout the week.
Brown was arguably the biggest surprise packet in the Peter Jackson VFL this season, impressing with his ability to play both in attack and in the ruck.
Competing with the likes of Majak Daw, Daniel Currie and Ben McKinley for a spot in Scott West’s side, the Tasmanian export was able to consistently show that he had the game to reach the elite level.
Port Melbourne star Chris Cain has long been considered unlucky not to be given a chance on an FAL list and highlighted his supreme skills with 23 goals this season, kicked mostly from the midfield.
Lloyd was another to hit the scoreboard consistently in 2013 for Frankston, bagging 38 playing as a high half forward.
The versatile 23-year-old played just three games last season but provided a constant threat for the Dolphins in 17 matches this year.
A further 12 VFL players will face state-based combine testing over the weekend, enduring the same tests and scrutiny from AFL recruiters.
Last Modified on 01/10/2013 12:32