Strategy Fremantle Dockers Next Generation Academy

[Taylor]

So it is just Whan at the moment? Only one mentioned in the AFL article today

He was the last name added to that article, and post publishing too.

 

[Suma Says]

So it is just Whan at the moment? Only one mentioned in the AFL article today

Whan the best prospect at the moment. Basil Hart likely to get added to our list as well, if not in draft then Cat B.

Also have Josh Nomlatyu (197cm left footed kpf - EF) coming through this year. Have been hearing his name more and more

 

[TheLastCall]

So it is just Whan at the moment? Only one mentioned in the AFL article today

We all know there are more, they are just highlighting the top teams prospects and the father son names.

 

[wakojako]

We all know there are more, they are just highlighting the top teams prospects and the father son names.

Correct. Hart has really dropped in the rankings similar to Malakai Champion last season. Too early to tell where is projected to land. Nomlatyu is an athletic ruck so not really any need but a free hit if we need it. Whan is currently a top 5 WA player in his age group so I am keen to see his development this season at SF. Robinson is the most exciting prospect so far but that is still two years away. Fingers crossed he continues that trajectory and stops growing!

 

[theGav56]

Correct. Hart has really dropped in the rankings similar to Malakai Champion last season. Too early to tell where is projected to land. Nomlatyu is an athletic ruck so not really any need but a free hit if we need it. Whan is currently a top 5 WA player in his age group so I am keen to see his development this season at SF. Robinson is the most exciting prospect so far but that is still two years away. Fingers crossed he continues that trajectory and stops growing!

I thought Nomlatyu is a forward.

 

[Lach72]

ROYAL EAGLE who knows his stuff is bullish on Whan…

 

[wakojako]

I thought Nomlatyu is a forward.

Plays both.

 

[Minz]

I agree with you in principle but I think there are four or five clubs who could maximise their return from that far, far more than the rest. Paying elite college athletes a million bucks to trial a year in the AFL when their college career doesn't lead to a draft in either NFL or NBA.

My eyes light up at the prospect of 2m tall burst athletes who can catch a ball - the likes of WC and Collingwood would be able to buy them.

I’m a bit late to this, but the difference in conditioning between AFL and NFL is startling. “Burst” is just that; guys playing American Football would be unlikely to have the endurance base for even state league games.

As an example, the big bloke who won the NFL recently was described as a “rugby star” in the US press. In reality, he’d kicked around in seconds at NRL clubs and then had been told he was never going to be fit enough to actually play NRL (even as a bench guy), let alone star. Old mate is a genuine NFL star.

Compare to Israel Folau - super-fit, genuinely starred at NRL level, really struggled to get AFL-level endurance.

Most of those American Football athletes have been training for power and very short bursts for many years; reaching AFL levels of endurance in less than 3-4 years would be a real struggle and frankly unlikely.

Basketball tho, that translates well

 

[Dale147]

 

[Tonga Bob]

Anyone know Fred Rodriguez's back story? With such a surname you'd think there's a chance of mulitcultural parentage, which could be enough to get him into our NGA. Or is that wishful thinking?

 

[Lach72]

Anyone know Fred Rodriguez's back story? With such a surname you'd think there's a chance of mulitcultural parentage, which could be enough to get him into our NGA. Or is that wishful thinking?

Wishful thinking. He’s not linked

 

[GingerDocker]

Wishful thinking. He’s not linked

 

[Tonga Bob]

Wishful thinking. He’s not linked

Any reason why he's not? I'd imagine we would have tried to find a connection. He's probably 3rd/4th generation Australian, so doesn't fit the diverse background requirement.

 

[Taylor]

Well, his dad played in the WAFL, coming through Colts, so I don't think he was born overseas, or at least the chances of that surname coming from a father born overseas in a non English speaking nation aren't high.

Even though Fred is a Freo supporter

 

[Taylor]

Clubs lobby AFL for NGA rule changes

Clubs offer feedback to the AFL on the NGA program as Tasmania's entry to the competition looms

www.afl.com.au

FREO:

Both Fremantle and West Coast are happy with their zones and believe there is no need to change any allocations given the amount of work put into them. A review of the WAFL clubs over the year could change the zoning at that level but that is some way down the line. Freo's feedback centred around opening up more positions for Category B rookies and having better accessibility for spots for Indigenous and multicultural players within that. Current rules are restrictive on how much training and club involvement NGA draft hopefuls can have at AFL clubs, so the Dockers have asked for NGA players, particularly those from regional areas, be able to do training blocks over the SSP window in pre-season likewise to what Northern Academy players do at their clubs. As the AFL considers opening up more international zones for NGA access, including the Pacific islands and South America, the Dockers are supportive but mindful of not having the draft become too compromised.

WC:

A big focus for the Eagles was finding parity in Academy access as the Northern clubs. West Coast requested that NGA training, education, strength and conditioning access is consistent with the Northern Academy programs to facilitate a greater talent outcome. The Eagles have existing strong relationships with current WAFL aligned NGA zones for young male talents and has encouraged the AFL to consider Western Australia's projected population growth corridors for any zone redistributions. Like Fremantle and the South Australian clubs, the Eagles' region focus won't be hugely affected by the AFL's rezoning program. West Coast has requested the AFL quickly duplicate the current boys' NGA zone for females to increase the number of Indigenous and multicultural girls playing the AFLW competition. In 2025, West Coast projects to have more than 150 NGA females registered in football programs.

 

[Wallsy78]

Found an article from Eliza Reilly last week on 40 odd WA draft prospects, and it listed a couple more NGA prospects I've never heard about, besides the more well-known Whan, Nomlatyu and Hart

Ryda Luke (187cm, 80kg): The Fremantle NGA prospect is a raw but exciting talent who is expected to take the next step this year. Luke only played five Colts games last year but he’s lightning fast, capable of flying for a big mark and then snapping a goal if the footy hits the deck. Has played as a defender in the past but will line up in attack this year. A smokey.

-From South Freo, noticed he kicked 2 goals in the colts and was named 5th best on the weekend.

Jonah Klemke (187cm, 73kg): The Fremantle NGA prospect has had a few injury challenges this pre-season but he took part in the State Academy’s summer squad. The Dockers are happy with his progress so far and it’s hoped a big year can put the halfback on more club’s radars.

-From West Perth, quiet game and listed as an out this week and not listed as emergency. Not sure if injured or dropped

 

[Docker82]

Found an article from Eliza Reilly last week on 40 odd WA draft prospects, and it listed a couple more NGA prospects I've never heard about, besides the more well-known Whan, Nomlatyu and Hart

Ryda Luke (187cm, 80kg): The Fremantle NGA prospect is a raw but exciting talent who is expected to take the next step this year. Luke only played five Colts games last year but he’s lightning fast, capable of flying for a big mark and then snapping a goal if the footy hits the deck. Has played as a defender in the past but will line up in attack this year. A smokey.

-From South Freo, noticed he kicked 2 goals in the colts and was named 5th best on the weekend.

Jonah Klemke (187cm, 73kg): The Fremantle NGA prospect has had a few injury challenges this pre-season but he took part in the State Academy’s summer squad. The Dockers are happy with his progress so far and it’s hoped a big year can put the halfback on more club’s radars.

-From West Perth, quiet game and listed as an out this week and not listed as emergency. Not sure if injured or dropped

If Whan and Hart go National Draft there's going to be two Category B spots available with Draper's promotion to the senior list.

Probably brings one or two of these guys into consideration if there's amusing chance they'll be good enough.

 

[wakojako]

If Whan and Hart go National Draft there's going to be two Category B spots available with Draper's promotion to the senior list.

Probably brings one or two of these guys into consideration if there's amusing chance they'll be good enough.

Whan will go top 30, Hart is likely to fall behind.

 

[Wallsy78]

I might aswell post about the other boys too

Joshua Nomlatyu (198cm, 88kg): A key position prospect, Nomlatyu played as a key defender for the state program over summer but kicked 12 goals as a forward for the Sharks last year. His biggest asset is his versatility and closing speed. He’s quicker than his opponents once the ball hits the deck and he can also play in the ruck if required. Likely to settle in defence for East Fremantle this year and is a Fremantle NGA prospect.

Basil Hart (185cm, 74kg): The Fremantle NGA prospect is a crafty small forward who’s massively improved his fitness and endurance in the last 12 months. Kicked 1.4 during a Colts game last year so you know he’s going to get his opportunities. It’s just a matter of taking them. Has been training with the Summer Squad.

Toby Whan (184cm, 82kg): Like Rodriguez, the Fremantle NGA prospect has regularly trained with South Fremantle’s senior team this season and will be in the Round 1 mix. A left-footer with explosive pace, you can find Whan bursting out of stoppages. Will play a mix of inside and outside midfield for the Colts but expect him to feature in attack if he gets a senior debut.

I was watching a video going over WA prospects the other day and they seemed to think Nomlatyu is our 2nd best chance after Whan. I saw he got best player for EF in their preseason game playing FB. Hart kicked 3 goals first game but Peel colts don't look to be very good which makes it hard for him. Nomlatyu and Hart seem like prospects that would be locks for Cat B positions if they dont get drafted this year

 

[Docker82]

Whan will go top 30, Hart is likely to fall behind.

Yea Whan is virtually no chance at this stage to be overlooked. Hart needs a good season to go National Draft - three goals is a decent start.

 

[wakojako]

I might aswell post about the other boys too

Joshua Nomlatyu (198cm, 88kg): A key position prospect, Nomlatyu played as a key defender for the state program over summer but kicked 12 goals as a forward for the Sharks last year. His biggest asset is his versatility and closing speed. He’s quicker than his opponents once the ball hits the deck and he can also play in the ruck if required. Likely to settle in defence for East Fremantle this year and is a Fremantle NGA prospect.

Basil Hart (185cm, 74kg): The Fremantle NGA prospect is a crafty small forward who’s massively improved his fitness and endurance in the last 12 months. Kicked 1.4 during a Colts game last year so you know he’s going to get his opportunities. It’s just a matter of taking them. Has been training with the Summer Squad.

Toby Whan (184cm, 82kg): Like Rodriguez, the Fremantle NGA prospect has regularly trained with South Fremantle’s senior team this season and will be in the Round 1 mix. A left-footer with explosive pace, you can find Whan bursting out of stoppages. Will play a mix of inside and outside midfield for the Colts but expect him to feature in attack if he gets a senior debut.

I was watching a video going over WA prospects the other day and they seemed to think Nomlatyu is our 2nd best chance after Whan. I saw he got best player for EF in their preseason game playing FB. Hart kicked 3 goals first game but Peel colts don't look to be very good which makes it hard for him. Nomlatyu and Hart seem like prospects that would be locks for Cat B positions if they dont get drafted this year

There is a reason Freo are trying to increase the number of Cat B positions...

 

[Docker82]

There is a reason Freo are trying to increase the number of Cat B positions...

Reckon we would've listed Jasper Scaife a few years ago if there was three spots available.

There was three before Covid so reckon it'll come back.

 

[s_wd6]

Just seems stupid not to have those spots. Especially with the decline in indigenous talents. Don’t think you’d find anyone against it.

 

[Puregold]

Saw this posted on Twitter.

Toby whan highlights

 

[Quay Club]

Saw this posted on Twitter.

Toby whan highlights

Toby Whan him!