Youngsters among 200 from all States, TerritoriesTEN Indigenous lads have been invited to attend the AFL's draft camp, including youngsters with these surnames: Long, Winmar and Wanganeen.
The 10 will be among almost 200 of the country's best young football talent, from all States and Territories, who will come under the trained eyes of AFL recruiters and coaches. The AFL has picked 75 players to attend the draft camp and 123 to go to State screening sessions.
Youngsters undergo various physical and mental tests in a football context at both the draft camp and State screenings. For this first time this year, a kicking skill developed by departing AIS/AFL assistant coach and future Collingwood coach, Nathan Buckley.
At last year's draft camp Fremantle's Stephen Hill impressed significantly, so much so that his stocks rose at the following national draft where he was taken by the Dockers at No.3.
The AFL draft camp will be held at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra from September 30 to October 2.
Here are the 10 Indigenous boys, with their particulars sourced from the AFL:
Mitchell Taylor (NT Thunder, NT)Height: 188cm, Weight: 79kg, DOB: October 6, 1990
Recruited from: Wanderers, NTFL
Rebounding defender with ability to win his own ball. Agility and competitiveness are both highlights of his game. Northern Territory U18 representative in 2009.
Nicholas Winmar (Claremont, WA)Height: 190cm, Weight: 78kg, Weight: April 27, 1991
Recruited from: Scarborough, WAAFL
Versatile player with strong athletic ability and clean hands overhead and at ground level. Western Australia U18 representative in 2009.
Anthony Long (Calder Cannons, Vic.)Height: 186cm, Weight: 70kg, DOB: January 6, 1991
Recruited from: St Mary's, NTFL
Skilful running defender with great ability to move through traffic. Agility, recovery and vertical leap are all impressive.
Deon Gordon (NT Thunder)Height: 185cm, Weight: 87kg, DOB: April 2, 1991
Recruited from: Saint Mary's, NTFL
Natural footballer with clean hands and intimate feel for the game. Exceptional kicking skills are a distinct strength. NT U18 representative in 2009.
Derick Wanganeen (Port Adelaide, SA)Height: 172cm, Weight: 63kg, DOB: February 5, 1991
Recruited from: Mallee Park, SA
Quick midfielder whose decision-making and clean hands in traffic are his strengths. Reads the game well and has strong defensive skills. South Australian U18 representative in 2009.
Bryon Sumner (Eagles, SANFL)Height: 174cm, Weight: 68kg, DOB: May 16, 1991
Recruited from: Woodville South
Quick and clever midfielder with penetrating left foot. Evasiveness and clean hands overhead are two of his strengths. Performed very well for SA at NAB AFL U18 Championships.
Allen Christensen (Geelong Falcons, Vic.)Height: 176cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: May 19, 1991
Recruited from: Lara
Prolific ball-winner who amasses plenty of contested possessions. Sound decision-maker who is extremely clever around goals. Vic Country U18 representative in 2009.
Lewis Jetta (Swan Districts, WAFL)Height: 178cm, Weight: 72kg, DOB: May 4, 1989
Recruited from: Bridgetown
Extremely quick player who provides great run and carry. Team-oriented with clean hands and great agility. Can play a variety of positions.
Gerrick Weedon (Claremont, WAFL)Height: 186cm, Weight: 80kg, DOB: May 25, 1991
Recruited from: Clontarf College
Hard-working forward who is extremely strong in the air. Vision and awareness in traffic as well as sound defensive pressure skills are features of his game. WA U18 representative in 2009.
Troy Taylor (NT Thunder, NT)Height: 188cm, Weight: 75kg, DOB: September 12, 1991
Recruited from: South Alice Springs, CAFL
Agile footballer with clean skills by hand and foot. Second efforts, ball-winning ability and marking are also features of his game. Northern Territory U18 representative in 2009.
DARREN MONCRIEFF
Darren@AboriginalFootball.com.au
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Last Modified on 15/09/2009 19:31