News article from the Daily Telegraph:
Young Guns in Magpies’ Clutches
THESE six boys are all NSW born and bred, but could one day be poached and make their name in the AFLas part of a Victorian team.
All six young prospects are undertaking their scholarships with AFL powerhouse club Collingwood.
It means they spend time meeting coaches and players, as well as attending some live games.
The six players — Jarrod Witts, Tom Young, Nick Perry, Scott Reed, Michael Hartley and Adrian Yakimov— are among the cream of NSW juniors, and Collingwood are certain that this half-dozen can rise to the top.
The first one predicted to make it big is Central Coast-born teenager Scott Reed, considered by Collingwood to be the standout youngster in NSW.
‘‘ Collingwood will have the first chance to take him on to their list, and I would say he has a very realistic chance of that happening,’’ NSW/ACT talent manager Darren Denneman said.
‘‘ He is very driven and he is now able to compete and play at a very high level.’’
Chris Smith, who manages the Swans’ scholarship talent, says the advantage of Sydney’s program is the proximity to coaches and players.
‘‘ It’s not because they go for us as a club, but rather than three trips interstate a year, they can come here weekly or fortnightly,’’ Smith said.
‘‘ Because of the proximity to our training facilities, we do get a lot of young players keen to come here.
‘‘ By the last year of the scholarship, they play with our reserves and also have the opportunity to train with the likes of Brett Kirk, Barry Hall and Craig Bolton, and that is invaluable experience.’’
By AMY DALE
Last Modified on 31/07/2008 07:34