The NAB AFL National draft held last night saw another four Stingrays players have their names called out to begin their AFL careers to make a total of five for the season so far for the Stingrays with youngster Matt Shaw already with the Gold Coast.
The prized number 1 draft pick was Tom Scully to Melbourne. The gun mid fielder had been widely touted as a number 1 and the decision to choose Scully over the highly rated South Australian Jackson Trengove vindicated the dedication and single minded determination of one of the most professional players ever to go through the Stingrays program. Tom has the ability to play inside or outside, wins his own football and consistently leads the team in possessions but also in the 1%ers. His endurance capabilities have never been bettered at the Stingrays with a best of 9:26 for a 3 km time trial and a 16+ beep test. Tom has been a multiple All-Australian, voted best player for Vic Metro this year as well as being co-captain of the Stingrays and captained Vic Metro.
Next to go was Ryan Bastinac in the second round at pick 21 to North Melbourne. The Kangaroos were searching for mid fielders and the selection of Bastinac compliments the recruiting policy of the Kangaroos. The Stingrays had always rated Ryan very close to Tom Scully with his running ability, ball winning, skills and understanding of the game all outstanding. Bastinac ran 10:03 for the 3km time trial at the AFL Draft camp last month which was the 5th fastest 3km time in the 15 years of the draft camp and a 15+ Beep which highlighted his endurance capabilities. Ryan was co-captain of the Stingrays and had a top 3 finish in the last two best and fairests. Ryan was a bit stiff to not be named All Australian after being in the best for Vic Country in four out of five Under 18 Nationals games this year.
The third Stingrays player selected was Dylan Roberton who is heading to Fremantle in the third round at pick 49. Roberton is a hard running medium tall defender with exceptional foot skills. Dylan has excellent endurance with a top ten 3km time at the draft camp and had come under the notice of many AFL clubs with his skill level.
Next out was the smoky of the draft with Rohan Kerr being named by Carlton in the fourth round at pick number 59. Kerr had attracted interest but at a Rookie level with his good form in the TAC Cup finals. Only in the TAC Cup program for this year, Kerr had played a full year of senior football last year under the guidance of former Stingrays Region Manager, Steve Kennedy at Parkdale Vultures in the VAFA. Kerr is a highly skilled mid-fielder / small forward but has a lot of work to do on his endurance.
Players like the unlucky Levi Casboult, Jarryd Amalfi, Riley Heddles, James Hallahan, Myles Pitt and Corey Millard have to hope and wait until the AFL pre-season draft and then the Rookie draft to see if they will join Shaw, Scully, Bastinac, Roberton and Kerr on an AFL list.
Last Modified on 02/12/2009 23:26