The 2007 NAB AFL National Draft saw another four Stingrays players have their names called out to begin their AFL careers.
The first Stingray player called was Jarrad Grant at pick five to the Western Bulldogs. Grant, recruited from the Frankston Bombers, is 192cm and 76kg and is a key marking forward. Grant was a member of the Vic Metro Under 16 and Under 18 teams and part of the AFL AIS Academy. He has wonderful hands, is very quick over 20m and is a strong mark but has a lot of development in his physical makeup to be a regular AFL player.
Next to go was John McCarthy at pick 31 to Collingwood. McCarthy was recruited from Sorrento and has been managing Ostietis Pubis over the past two years so his efforts to do enough to be selected in the second round is full of merit. McCarthy is a 188cm, 81kg utility who can play in the midfield as well as a key forward. He is a very good kick of the ball, strong overhead for his size, has good pace and will continue to improve in an AFL club environment.
The third Stingrays player selected was Scott Simpson who went to the reigning premiers Geelong at pick 44. Simpson was recruited to the Stingrays from Mt Eliza and at 194cm and 91kg is a key forward. Simpson played very well in the Under 18 National carnival this year, has an enormous work ethic, is a strong contested mark and has very good endurance. Simpson seems to be an ideal fit into the Geelong forwardline with the likes of Cameron Mooney and Tom Hawkins to learn from should have a long and prosperous career.
The last Stingray called was Jarred Boumann at pick 48 to the Western Bulldogs. Boumann from Beaconsfield tested in the fastest 5 players in the country over 20m and at 196cm and 89kg should make an ideal key forward. He started the season at full forward, went to full back then got injured and went back to local football to find fitness and form. When Boumann returned to the Stingrays at key forward and in the Ruck he found his best form and played some exciting football and attracted interest from a number of clubs.
Last Modified on 06/12/2010 15:18
