Matt Burgan's Phantom Draft 2001
2001 Phantom Draft | 2000 Phantom Draft
Since its inception in 1986, the National Draft has evolved into one of the most crucial events on the football calendar and is the main vehicle for AFL clubs to recruit new talent into the AFL system. While the nation’s best young talent is the major focus of the National Draft, it also caters for players with AFL experience and state wide based backgrounds to be selected in the process.
The Phantom Draft provides the football community with an indication of a potential scenario of what could take place in the 2001 National Draft, although such is the nature of the event, that it is almost impossible to predict the exact outcome. The Phantom Draft is by no means a replica of the 2001 National Draft, with the meeting likely to dish up permutations even AFL clubs have yet to consider.
For the second year running, AFL.com.au’s Matt Burgan has compiled the Phantom Draft after consultation with half of the AFL’s Recruiting Managers and several leading AFL and club officials.
This year’s 16th National Draft meeting, to be held on Sunday November 25, 2001 is arguably one of the best of its kind, with the depth available to clubs at an all time high. However, not every AFL club will use each choice available to them in the National Draft, with several clubs likely to save a selection for the December Pre-Season Draft, while some clubs will be forced to pass due to salary cap restrictions.
Good luck to all players, officials and clubs involved.
Priority
HAWTHORN – Luke Ball
(Sandringham Dragons) 25/5/84, 183cm, 74kg
Is odds-on favourite to claim the No.1 mantle, Ball is rated by many as the best young midfielder around and is just what the Hawks are looking for – a class ball-winner. Hawthorn created plenty of controversy by trading young-gun Trent Croad to Fremantle in order to gain the No.1 draft choice, however Hawk fans will hardly be disappointed when they discover the talents of Ball. An All-Australian and AIS/AFL Academy representative, Ball is the nephew of former Hawthorn premiership players John Kennedy and Peter Russo, while his older brother, Matthew, is currently on the club’s rookie list. His father Ray, also played at the elite level with South Melbourne and Richmond in the late 60s-early 70s. Has great speed and endurance – as shown at the Draft Camp – and is an excellent decision-maker in heavy traffic. Ball has the character to handle the extra pressures placed with being the first player selected.
ST KILDA – Chris Judd
(Sandringham Dragons) 8/9/83, 187cm, 81kg
Judd’s outstanding athletic ability – many believe he is almost the complete package in this area – makes him one of the hottest prospects at this year’s National Draft. His speed and endurance are the stand out features of his game. Captained the U18 Vic Metro side in 2001, showing fine leadership qualities, while he was a member of the AIS/AFL Academy in 2000. Despite missing the recent Draft Camp with a shoulder reconstruction, Judd remains a certain Top 5-6 choice. He is likely to be locked in a battle with East Fremantle’s Graham Polak for St Kilda’s first selection, while he shouldn’t be dismissed as a No.1 selection. He is also likely to be closely monitored by Fremantle if still available at No.4.
WEST COAST – Graham Polak
(East Fremantle) 16/6/84, 192cm, 83kg
Arguably the best young tall available in this year’s National Draft. Polak is likely to be pounced on by West Coast at selection No.3, if St Kilda opt for a midfielder (Judd). During the year, Polak was touted as a No.1 selection and if Fremantle had stuck with that selection he could very well have ended up as a Docker. But simply because of clubs’ needs, Polak is likely to fit nicely into the plans of West Coast, as the Eagles will be looking to bolster their tall forward stocks. Polak is athletic, mobile and terrific overhead – marking is a feature of his game. Shone at the Draft Camp, which capped off a wonderful year that included his senior debut for East Fremantle and representation in the U18 WA team and the AIS/AFL Academy.
Round One
FREMANTLE – Ashley Sampi
(South Fremantle) 12/1/84, 178cm, 76kg
An excitement machine, Sampi dazzles with his uncanny skills, elusiveness and pace. Represented the U18 WA team and was a member of the AIS/AFL Academy squad in 2001, while he won the Kevin Sheehan Medal in the U16 titles in 2000. He shone in Canberra with fine results in the Draft Camp, while his skills in the wet conditions further enhanced his reputation as a player with fine touch and ball handling ability. Should figure in the Top 6 selections and while Fremantle is likely to select him at No.4 (allowing him to remain in his home state) he could be locked in a battle with Geelong Falcon Luke Hodge, which could see Sampi land at St Kilda.
ST KILDA – Luke Hodge
(Geelong Falcons) 15/6/84, 184cm, 82kg
Arguably the most versatile youngster in the Draft, Hodge is a classy left-footer who won the Ron Barassi Medal for the best player in the U17 International Rules Series against Ireland earlier in 2001. However, he missed the majority of the year through injury, after being hindered with osteitis pubis. Along with the likes of Ball, Judd and Polak – Hodge has also been touted as a potential No.1 draftee. He will figure prominently in the Top 5 selections and is likely to end up at St Kilda or Fremantle.
WEST COAST – Steven Armstrong
(Perth) 12/1/84, 178cm, 77kg
Highly rated midfielder who could add immediate impact at AFL level, having already played two senior seasons at WAFL level. Armstrong is a hard running ball-winner, who has excellent skills and is good overhead. He was an AIS/AFL Academy member in 2001 and was also a joint winner of the Larke Medal for the best player in the U18 Championships. Had a terrific Draft Camp, which enhanced his reputation further to a likely Top 10 position. Will be closely sought after, particularly between West Coast and Geelong, however he is likely to be claimed by his home state.
KANGAROOS – Richard Cole
(Pioneers/Eastern Ranges) 15/7/83, 182cm, 75kg
Outstanding talent who had an injury-plagued season in 2001. Cole was touted as the likely 2001 No.1 Draftee last year, after he was too young to be claimed in 2000. But despite his 2001 season being severely restricted, he remains one of the most exciting prospects to emerge in this year’s draft. Originally from Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, Cole shifted to Victoria in 2000, where he played with the Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup and also gained U18 All-Australian selection. He is also one of a select few to attend two consecutive Draft Camps in 2000-01. Essendon would dearly love to claim Cole – due to his link with Michael Long – however he is an almost certain Top 10 and the Kangaroos may look to bolster their midfield with this classy youngster.
GEELONG – James Bartel
(Geelong Falcons) 4/12/83, 184cm, 81kg
Like Richard Cole, Bartel was too young to be drafted in 2000, making him hot property at this year’s National Draft. Captained Vic Country in 2001 and was a dual All-Australian representative in 2000-01, while he also attended his second successive Draft Camp this year. A genuine ball-magnet, Bartel has great courage and is also good in one-on-one situations. He is almost certain to be claimed in the Top 10, with Geelong eager to snap up the ‘local’ boy who represented the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup. His main threat to remaining in Geelong will come from West Coast who may decide to select him at No.6, which ironically could see Steven Armstrong (Perth) be taken by the Cats.
MELBOURNE – David Hale
(Broadbeach) 22/5/84, 200cm, 84kg
The best young player to hail from Queensland in this year’s draft. A man-mountain standing at 200cm, Hale is a strong marking forward, who has excellent agility for his size – making him a highly sought after player. He gained All-Australian selection in 2001 after representing Queensland (as vice-captain) in the U18 Championships, while he was also a member of the AIS/AFL Academy team this year. Hale has an outstanding leap – as shown with a vertical leap of 268cm at the Draft Camp – and is likely to be a Top 10 pick. He is a strong chance to be selected by Melbourne, as the Demons will be looking for a ruckman/forward to partner Jeff White, now that Troy Simmonds has joined Fremantle.
WESTERN BULLDOGS – Barry Brooks
(Tassie Mariners) 24/12/83, 198cm, 95kg
Is likely to be locked in a battle with David Hale for a position with either the Western Bulldogs or Melbourne. Brooks is the best young Tasmanian player in the draft and should be selected around the Top 10 mark. The Mariner ruckman is a strong, mobile type who also played with the Tasmanian VFL side in 2001, while he also gained U18 All-Australian selection. Originally from King Island, Brooks will be sounded out early, as he is arguably the best young ruckman in the draft. He could help fill the void at the Bulldogs left by former ruckman Scott Wynd, who retired at the end of 2000. The recruitment of Brooks could also allow Luke Darcy and new recruit Daniel Bandy to spend more time up forward and down back respectively.
COLLINGWOOD – Mark Seaby
(West Perth) 1/5/84, 197cm, 95kg
One of the best young rucks available in this year’s Draft, Seaby is a team-oriented player who is strong overhead and reads the play well. An U18 WA representative in 2001, Seaby was unable to attend this year’s Draft Camp, however, he remains firmly in the sights of several clubs looking to bolster their rucking stocks. Collingwood may look to Seaby as another young tall/ruck option to enable Josh Fraser play more of a midfield/forward role. Is likely to be a mid-range 1st or high 2nd Round selection.
ADELAIDE – Brent Reilly
(Calder Cannons) 12/11/83, 181cm, 75kg
A highly rated ball-winner, Reilly is touted as a 1st Round Draft choice. A classy winger with fine skills, he was an U18 All-Australian representative this year and shone with his skills in the midfield. He also possesses a fine leap and is a good mark for his size. Had a collarbone problem at the Draft Camp, but has attracted plenty of interest amongst clubs, including Adelaide, who may look to this youngster to add to its midfield.
ST KILDA – Sam Power
(Oakleigh Chargers) 2/7/83, 187cm, 72kg
Power is a classy left-footer who was a joint winner of the Larke Medal for the best player in the U18 Championships in 2001. He is the brother of Brisbane premiership player Luke and like his older brother was – Sam will also be a highly sought after draft pick. Could go as high as the Top 5, but is sure to be a 1st Round selection. A member of the 2000 AIS/AFL Academy squad, Power was unable to attend this year’s Draft Camp due to an early school exam. He is unlikely to be available at No.19 (Brisbane’s first selection), however he will come under close consideration by St Kilda at No.13, if available.
KANGAROOS – Xavier Clarke
(St Marys) 28/9/83, 181cm, 74kg
Exciting youngster who possesses great kicking and ball-handling skills, while his dash and second efforts are a feature of his game. Clarke is rated one of the best youngsters to emerge from the Northern Territory in recent years. He was vice-captain of the U18 NT side in 2001, although he sustained a hamstring injury during the championships. He was also a member of the AIS/AFL Academy squad in 2000. Will be highly sought after in the 1st Round and may go in the Top 10, possibly to Melbourne, whom he spent a week with during the season. However, with the Kangaroos looking to bolster their midfield stocks, Clarke may land at Arden Street. Has a terrific character and will be a fine acquisition to an AFL club.
PORT ADELAIDE – Rick Ladson
(Bendigo Pioneers) 18/2/84, 179cm, 73kg
A class player who possesses clean hands and excellent disposal, Ladson is touted as a 1st Round Draft choice, who is likely to feature around the 10-20 mark. He was an AIS/AFL Academy member in 2001, while he also gained selection in the TAC Cup Team of the Year. Is football smart and has plenty of flair in his game. Has attracted several clubs including Geelong, however he could be the type of midfielder Port Adelaide may look to.
HAWTHORN – Nick Dal Santo
(Bendigo Pioneers) 22/2/84, 183cm, 74kg
Classy left-footed midfielder/forward who represented the U18 Vic Country side in 2001, along with the AIS/AFL Academy. Has been touted as a likely Top 10-20 Draft choice and his ability to play in the middle, will appeal to the Hawks who are desperate to add to their midfield brigade.
GEELONG – Ashley Hansen
(Oakleigh Chargers) 3/3/83, 195cm, 81kg
One of the most promising tall youngsters available in the Draft, Hansen represented the U18 Vic Metro side in 2001, before producing fine results at the Draft Camp. He recorded a 3km time-trial of 10:48, while he also measured the largest handspan at the camp (247), with Murray Bushranger Josh Dicketts. Hansen is a strong marking forward who possesses clean hands, which may appeal to Geelong, as the Cats look to add extra height to their squad. He is the son of football broadcaster Clark.
ESSENDON – Simon O’Keefe
(Murray Bushrangers) 29/1/84, 198cm, 89kg
A quality ruckman – particularly at winning first use of the ball at centre bounces – O’Keefe is a strong marking big man who represented Vic Country in the U18 Championships in 2001. His leap was highlighted at the Draft Camp when he recorded a reaching height of 259cm. Is likely to be firmly in the minds of Essendon, as the Bombers will be looking to bolster their ruck stocks after the retirement of John Barnes.
BRISBANE LIONS – Ashley Watson
(Bendigo Pioneers) 26/3/84, 181cm, 68kg
Had an outstanding season in 2001, after representing the AIS/AFL Academy squad against Ireland and gaining All-Australian status after the U18 Championships. Watson topped off his season by achieving excellent results at the Draft Camp, particularly in the in 20m sprint, 3km-Time Trial and Shuttle Run. Will attract plenty of interest between 15-30 and could be the type of player Brisbane may look at with their first draft selection.
2001 Phantom Draft | 2000 Phantom Draft
Since its inception in 1986, the National Draft has evolved into one of the most crucial events on the football calendar and is the main vehicle for AFL clubs to recruit new talent into the AFL system. While the nation’s best young talent is the major focus of the National Draft, it also caters for players with AFL experience and state wide based backgrounds to be selected in the process.
The Phantom Draft provides the football community with an indication of a potential scenario of what could take place in the 2001 National Draft, although such is the nature of the event, that it is almost impossible to predict the exact outcome. The Phantom Draft is by no means a replica of the 2001 National Draft, with the meeting likely to dish up permutations even AFL clubs have yet to consider.
For the second year running, AFL.com.au’s Matt Burgan has compiled the Phantom Draft after consultation with half of the AFL’s Recruiting Managers and several leading AFL and club officials.
This year’s 16th National Draft meeting, to be held on Sunday November 25, 2001 is arguably one of the best of its kind, with the depth available to clubs at an all time high. However, not every AFL club will use each choice available to them in the National Draft, with several clubs likely to save a selection for the December Pre-Season Draft, while some clubs will be forced to pass due to salary cap restrictions.
Good luck to all players, officials and clubs involved.
Priority
HAWTHORN – Luke Ball
(Sandringham Dragons) 25/5/84, 183cm, 74kg
Is odds-on favourite to claim the No.1 mantle, Ball is rated by many as the best young midfielder around and is just what the Hawks are looking for – a class ball-winner. Hawthorn created plenty of controversy by trading young-gun Trent Croad to Fremantle in order to gain the No.1 draft choice, however Hawk fans will hardly be disappointed when they discover the talents of Ball. An All-Australian and AIS/AFL Academy representative, Ball is the nephew of former Hawthorn premiership players John Kennedy and Peter Russo, while his older brother, Matthew, is currently on the club’s rookie list. His father Ray, also played at the elite level with South Melbourne and Richmond in the late 60s-early 70s. Has great speed and endurance – as shown at the Draft Camp – and is an excellent decision-maker in heavy traffic. Ball has the character to handle the extra pressures placed with being the first player selected.
ST KILDA – Chris Judd
(Sandringham Dragons) 8/9/83, 187cm, 81kg
Judd’s outstanding athletic ability – many believe he is almost the complete package in this area – makes him one of the hottest prospects at this year’s National Draft. His speed and endurance are the stand out features of his game. Captained the U18 Vic Metro side in 2001, showing fine leadership qualities, while he was a member of the AIS/AFL Academy in 2000. Despite missing the recent Draft Camp with a shoulder reconstruction, Judd remains a certain Top 5-6 choice. He is likely to be locked in a battle with East Fremantle’s Graham Polak for St Kilda’s first selection, while he shouldn’t be dismissed as a No.1 selection. He is also likely to be closely monitored by Fremantle if still available at No.4.
WEST COAST – Graham Polak
(East Fremantle) 16/6/84, 192cm, 83kg
Arguably the best young tall available in this year’s National Draft. Polak is likely to be pounced on by West Coast at selection No.3, if St Kilda opt for a midfielder (Judd). During the year, Polak was touted as a No.1 selection and if Fremantle had stuck with that selection he could very well have ended up as a Docker. But simply because of clubs’ needs, Polak is likely to fit nicely into the plans of West Coast, as the Eagles will be looking to bolster their tall forward stocks. Polak is athletic, mobile and terrific overhead – marking is a feature of his game. Shone at the Draft Camp, which capped off a wonderful year that included his senior debut for East Fremantle and representation in the U18 WA team and the AIS/AFL Academy.
Round One
FREMANTLE – Ashley Sampi
(South Fremantle) 12/1/84, 178cm, 76kg
An excitement machine, Sampi dazzles with his uncanny skills, elusiveness and pace. Represented the U18 WA team and was a member of the AIS/AFL Academy squad in 2001, while he won the Kevin Sheehan Medal in the U16 titles in 2000. He shone in Canberra with fine results in the Draft Camp, while his skills in the wet conditions further enhanced his reputation as a player with fine touch and ball handling ability. Should figure in the Top 6 selections and while Fremantle is likely to select him at No.4 (allowing him to remain in his home state) he could be locked in a battle with Geelong Falcon Luke Hodge, which could see Sampi land at St Kilda.
ST KILDA – Luke Hodge
(Geelong Falcons) 15/6/84, 184cm, 82kg
Arguably the most versatile youngster in the Draft, Hodge is a classy left-footer who won the Ron Barassi Medal for the best player in the U17 International Rules Series against Ireland earlier in 2001. However, he missed the majority of the year through injury, after being hindered with osteitis pubis. Along with the likes of Ball, Judd and Polak – Hodge has also been touted as a potential No.1 draftee. He will figure prominently in the Top 5 selections and is likely to end up at St Kilda or Fremantle.
WEST COAST – Steven Armstrong
(Perth) 12/1/84, 178cm, 77kg
Highly rated midfielder who could add immediate impact at AFL level, having already played two senior seasons at WAFL level. Armstrong is a hard running ball-winner, who has excellent skills and is good overhead. He was an AIS/AFL Academy member in 2001 and was also a joint winner of the Larke Medal for the best player in the U18 Championships. Had a terrific Draft Camp, which enhanced his reputation further to a likely Top 10 position. Will be closely sought after, particularly between West Coast and Geelong, however he is likely to be claimed by his home state.
KANGAROOS – Richard Cole
(Pioneers/Eastern Ranges) 15/7/83, 182cm, 75kg
Outstanding talent who had an injury-plagued season in 2001. Cole was touted as the likely 2001 No.1 Draftee last year, after he was too young to be claimed in 2000. But despite his 2001 season being severely restricted, he remains one of the most exciting prospects to emerge in this year’s draft. Originally from Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory, Cole shifted to Victoria in 2000, where he played with the Eastern Ranges in the TAC Cup and also gained U18 All-Australian selection. He is also one of a select few to attend two consecutive Draft Camps in 2000-01. Essendon would dearly love to claim Cole – due to his link with Michael Long – however he is an almost certain Top 10 and the Kangaroos may look to bolster their midfield with this classy youngster.
GEELONG – James Bartel
(Geelong Falcons) 4/12/83, 184cm, 81kg
Like Richard Cole, Bartel was too young to be drafted in 2000, making him hot property at this year’s National Draft. Captained Vic Country in 2001 and was a dual All-Australian representative in 2000-01, while he also attended his second successive Draft Camp this year. A genuine ball-magnet, Bartel has great courage and is also good in one-on-one situations. He is almost certain to be claimed in the Top 10, with Geelong eager to snap up the ‘local’ boy who represented the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup. His main threat to remaining in Geelong will come from West Coast who may decide to select him at No.6, which ironically could see Steven Armstrong (Perth) be taken by the Cats.
MELBOURNE – David Hale
(Broadbeach) 22/5/84, 200cm, 84kg
The best young player to hail from Queensland in this year’s draft. A man-mountain standing at 200cm, Hale is a strong marking forward, who has excellent agility for his size – making him a highly sought after player. He gained All-Australian selection in 2001 after representing Queensland (as vice-captain) in the U18 Championships, while he was also a member of the AIS/AFL Academy team this year. Hale has an outstanding leap – as shown with a vertical leap of 268cm at the Draft Camp – and is likely to be a Top 10 pick. He is a strong chance to be selected by Melbourne, as the Demons will be looking for a ruckman/forward to partner Jeff White, now that Troy Simmonds has joined Fremantle.
WESTERN BULLDOGS – Barry Brooks
(Tassie Mariners) 24/12/83, 198cm, 95kg
Is likely to be locked in a battle with David Hale for a position with either the Western Bulldogs or Melbourne. Brooks is the best young Tasmanian player in the draft and should be selected around the Top 10 mark. The Mariner ruckman is a strong, mobile type who also played with the Tasmanian VFL side in 2001, while he also gained U18 All-Australian selection. Originally from King Island, Brooks will be sounded out early, as he is arguably the best young ruckman in the draft. He could help fill the void at the Bulldogs left by former ruckman Scott Wynd, who retired at the end of 2000. The recruitment of Brooks could also allow Luke Darcy and new recruit Daniel Bandy to spend more time up forward and down back respectively.
COLLINGWOOD – Mark Seaby
(West Perth) 1/5/84, 197cm, 95kg
One of the best young rucks available in this year’s Draft, Seaby is a team-oriented player who is strong overhead and reads the play well. An U18 WA representative in 2001, Seaby was unable to attend this year’s Draft Camp, however, he remains firmly in the sights of several clubs looking to bolster their rucking stocks. Collingwood may look to Seaby as another young tall/ruck option to enable Josh Fraser play more of a midfield/forward role. Is likely to be a mid-range 1st or high 2nd Round selection.
ADELAIDE – Brent Reilly
(Calder Cannons) 12/11/83, 181cm, 75kg
A highly rated ball-winner, Reilly is touted as a 1st Round Draft choice. A classy winger with fine skills, he was an U18 All-Australian representative this year and shone with his skills in the midfield. He also possesses a fine leap and is a good mark for his size. Had a collarbone problem at the Draft Camp, but has attracted plenty of interest amongst clubs, including Adelaide, who may look to this youngster to add to its midfield.
ST KILDA – Sam Power
(Oakleigh Chargers) 2/7/83, 187cm, 72kg
Power is a classy left-footer who was a joint winner of the Larke Medal for the best player in the U18 Championships in 2001. He is the brother of Brisbane premiership player Luke and like his older brother was – Sam will also be a highly sought after draft pick. Could go as high as the Top 5, but is sure to be a 1st Round selection. A member of the 2000 AIS/AFL Academy squad, Power was unable to attend this year’s Draft Camp due to an early school exam. He is unlikely to be available at No.19 (Brisbane’s first selection), however he will come under close consideration by St Kilda at No.13, if available.
KANGAROOS – Xavier Clarke
(St Marys) 28/9/83, 181cm, 74kg
Exciting youngster who possesses great kicking and ball-handling skills, while his dash and second efforts are a feature of his game. Clarke is rated one of the best youngsters to emerge from the Northern Territory in recent years. He was vice-captain of the U18 NT side in 2001, although he sustained a hamstring injury during the championships. He was also a member of the AIS/AFL Academy squad in 2000. Will be highly sought after in the 1st Round and may go in the Top 10, possibly to Melbourne, whom he spent a week with during the season. However, with the Kangaroos looking to bolster their midfield stocks, Clarke may land at Arden Street. Has a terrific character and will be a fine acquisition to an AFL club.
PORT ADELAIDE – Rick Ladson
(Bendigo Pioneers) 18/2/84, 179cm, 73kg
A class player who possesses clean hands and excellent disposal, Ladson is touted as a 1st Round Draft choice, who is likely to feature around the 10-20 mark. He was an AIS/AFL Academy member in 2001, while he also gained selection in the TAC Cup Team of the Year. Is football smart and has plenty of flair in his game. Has attracted several clubs including Geelong, however he could be the type of midfielder Port Adelaide may look to.
HAWTHORN – Nick Dal Santo
(Bendigo Pioneers) 22/2/84, 183cm, 74kg
Classy left-footed midfielder/forward who represented the U18 Vic Country side in 2001, along with the AIS/AFL Academy. Has been touted as a likely Top 10-20 Draft choice and his ability to play in the middle, will appeal to the Hawks who are desperate to add to their midfield brigade.
GEELONG – Ashley Hansen
(Oakleigh Chargers) 3/3/83, 195cm, 81kg
One of the most promising tall youngsters available in the Draft, Hansen represented the U18 Vic Metro side in 2001, before producing fine results at the Draft Camp. He recorded a 3km time-trial of 10:48, while he also measured the largest handspan at the camp (247), with Murray Bushranger Josh Dicketts. Hansen is a strong marking forward who possesses clean hands, which may appeal to Geelong, as the Cats look to add extra height to their squad. He is the son of football broadcaster Clark.
ESSENDON – Simon O’Keefe
(Murray Bushrangers) 29/1/84, 198cm, 89kg
A quality ruckman – particularly at winning first use of the ball at centre bounces – O’Keefe is a strong marking big man who represented Vic Country in the U18 Championships in 2001. His leap was highlighted at the Draft Camp when he recorded a reaching height of 259cm. Is likely to be firmly in the minds of Essendon, as the Bombers will be looking to bolster their ruck stocks after the retirement of John Barnes.
BRISBANE LIONS – Ashley Watson
(Bendigo Pioneers) 26/3/84, 181cm, 68kg
Had an outstanding season in 2001, after representing the AIS/AFL Academy squad against Ireland and gaining All-Australian status after the U18 Championships. Watson topped off his season by achieving excellent results at the Draft Camp, particularly in the in 20m sprint, 3km-Time Trial and Shuttle Run. Will attract plenty of interest between 15-30 and could be the type of player Brisbane may look at with their first draft selection.
