Lions coach predicts AFL rookie selection
THERE were more than a few murmurs of discontent at last Saturday's AFL national draft when Adam Cockie's named failed to be called out.
Cockie's coach, Subiaco mentor, Scott Watters, yesterday said he couldn't understand his non-selection.
Cockie, 19, is a hard-working, hard-running midfielder type who graduated through Subiaco's development program. He was 2007's Clarke Medal winner for the Colts' fairest-and-best and played in the Lions' league premiership side this year.
Cockie represented Western Australia against Queensland in Townsville in June and more than held his own as a senior this season.
"They (clubs) had him on the radar and there was a lot of talk of him going at between (selections) 40 and 60," Watters said yesterday.
"And while not begrudging those selected, I thought he was pretty unlucky, to say the least. We're a little bit miffed but the draft is an inexact science."
Watters, however, believes Cockie will go in this month's rookie draft.
"He's an extremely strong chance to get rookie-listed. He is easily a top quality person and high character who would do well on an AFL list," he said.
"I'm a huge admirer of his professionalism and of his football. He's always had to get things the hard way. He's got resilience and courage and he'll find his own way there."
Watters said Cockie's non-selection, and that of several of Subiaco's young guns -- aside from first-rounders Daniel Rich (Brisbane) and Jack Ziebell (North Melbourne) -- could have been due to the Lions' dominance in the WAFL.
"We've been a strong, even team which has performed well the past few years and that may have gone against us," Watters said.
"And because we're so even across the board, perhaps lesser performed side's players tend to stand out a bit more."
Cockie's father, Michael, played for South Fremantle in the 1980s.
Pickett, Lions to talk
MEANWHILE, Watters said the club will sit down with evergreen midfielder Allistair Pickett for a chat about his role at the Lions next year.
"We'll sit down with Ali close to Christmas and talk about what's best for each other," Watters said.
"I guess we've been able to look after him a little bit more ... there was some pressure on him last year, but we'll see what unfolds.
"As long as Ali is fit and able to train, he deserves a chance to play.
"He's 35-years-old and can still play footy at WAFL level. Not too many people can do that."
DARREN MONCRIEFF
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Wesnesday, December 3, 2008
Last Modified on 03/12/2008 13:23