Mature aged recruits hidden gem longshots

Hope we have a good hard look at Marcus Adams and Hartley (as well as Brown) for 1 or 2 of our later picks.

Darcy Cameron made me think of Cameron Conlon, anyone know what happened to him?


Good call on Hartley.

I like Liam Ryan from Subiaco as late-round prospect this year. He’s a 19 year old quick small forward who has already got some interest from clubs.

WA Lion Liam Ryan a stand-out prospect for AFL selectors

Date: May 18 2016

Kim Hagdorn
WAFL powerhouse Subiaco might have unveiled an AFL draft smoky.

Country recruit Liam Ryan was overlooked by East Fremantle in their traditionally rich country breeding zone of Geraldton and was swung into the reigning premiers’ forward line early this month.

He’s only made two senior Lions appearances but has already sent AFL talent scouts into a frenzy.

It is estimated that at least six AFL clubs have made inquiries to Lions staff on a new draft prospect in the west.

The silky smooth 19-year-old has been likened to Hawthorn superstar Cyril Rioli, with exhilarating and explosive talents as well as uncanny goal-kicking sense.

Ryan was not listed by East Fremantle when he turned 19 and automatically became a “free agent” to join a WAFL club of his choice.

He somewhat surprisingly joined the champions of the past two years after discussions with West Coast alignment outfit East Perth just before Christmas, and then joined the Lions’ summer training.

He has bagged six goals in his two senior outings, with a couple on debut in an 80-point thrashing from East Fremantle and then a classy four majors from nine disposals in a comfortable Lions 44-point win over Claremont last Saturday.

Ryan is now tipped to grow in appeal to AFL talent scouts who are scouring the nation for contenders for this year’s national draft in November.

West Australian footy great and commentator Peter Bell was impressed with his first sighting of the exciting small forward in a WAFL game last weekend.

The dual North Melbourne premiership star and Dockers’ legend predicts Ryan will attract substantial AFL interest across the remainder of the season heading into this year’s draft.

“Let me say that this is all from seeing him play in one game so far, but he seems to have all of the required attributes,” Bell said.

"He looked very clean with his ball handling and he didn’t fumble much, and he’s certainly got the physical ability for what you can expect in the AFL.

"He’s tall as well, at around 189cm, and he’s got a terrific vertical leap and not just with the really big mark he took.

"He has an uncanny ability to leap high in marking attempts from pretty much a standing start.

“He’s certainly worth watching as the season rolls on.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq6i_Icsico


Now kicked 19 goals from 7 WAFL matches. wafl.com.au/players/view/6371

MARCUS Adams, Sam Collins, Nathan Broad and Mitch Brown are just four of the mature-age players drafted last year to have featured at AFL level so far this season.

Clubs are always on the lookout for experience and senior bodies to complement their under-18 draftees, so here are 22 names from state league competitions around the country who might have caught the eye.

NEAFL

Jordan Harper
Club: Canberra
Height/weight: 180cm/77kg
DOB: 3/9/93
Harper is an experienced midfielder who moved from the wing into an inside role and has flourished. He can find the ball at will and uses his excellent endurance to get from contest to contest. Harper made the NEAFL representative side last year and has continued his form through 2016.

James Ives
Aspley
178cm/74kg
22/3/94
Injuries have limited Ives in recent seasons, with a knee reconstruction and shoulder problem keeping him out of the game for extended periods. But the clearance-winning midfielder has enjoyed a better run this season for Aspley. He’s held leadership roles throughout his junior career and his father Peter is a member of AFL Queensland’s Hall of Fame.

Peter Yagmoor
Redland
182cm/89kg
20/10/93
Yagmoor was cut by Collingwood at the end of 2014 after three seasons and two senior games and returned to the NEAFL for the 2015 season. His left-foot kicking from half-back helps set up the play and he can be used against forwards of all different shapes and sizes.

Hayden Bertoli-Simmonds
Redland
186cm/83kg
2/5/95
Bertoli-Simmonds presents as a nice size for a club looking for a midfielder who can rack up possessions. He has shifted from a half-back/wing role into the midfield, and shown his ability to get the ball at a stoppage but also on the outside and offer some run.

SANFL

Jack Agostino
West Adelaide
182cm/77kg
11/6/97
Agostino attended South Australia’s state draft combine last year but did not win a chance on an AFL list. The small defender has a healthy competitive streak and is known for his leadership and ability to stick to his task. Last year Agostino took on 2016 draft prospect Ben Ainsworth at the under-18 championships and got the honours in his battle with the likely early draft choice.

Jack Agostino playing for SA in an U18 match against Vic Metro in 2015. Picture: AFL Media

Brett Eddy
South Adelaide
194cm/89kg
26/8/89
Eddy won an invitation to last year’s national draft combine and showed his classy ball use with top-10 finishes in the kicking and clean hands test. The powerful tall forward uses his strength and size to outbody and outmaneuver opponents, and has booted 43 goals in 13 games for South Adelaide this year. He is an excellent set shot for goal.

Nick Hayes
Woodville-West Torrens
188cm/82kg
11/8/94
The former Brisbane Lions rookie might have given himself another shot at an AFL career with a consistent season for Woodville-West Torrens. Smart and courageous, Hayes can play in the forward line and defence but has grown into his role as a big midfielder with clean skills.

Willie Rioli
Glenelg
175cm/80kg
4/6/95
Has some strong football bloodlines as the cousin of Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli. After not getting drafted a couple of years ago, Rioli has worked hard on his fitness and conditioning to put his name in the mix. Rioli has kicked 17 goals in 10 games at SANFL level and played well in the state game recently with many club scouts in attendance.

Willie Rioli in action for the U16 NT team against the World XVIII in 2011. Picture: AFL Media

Kaine Stevens
West Adelaide
184cm/83kg
Stevens is a strong inside midfielder who competes well for the ball and has continued to add elements to his game. He grew up in Canberra before heading to West Adelaide, where he was a strong contributor in its 2015 premiership win. He has garnered AFL interest before and continues to improve.

VFL

Kade Answerth
Sandringham
183cm/82kg
3/10/96
As a top-age player, Answerth won the TAC Cup medal for best afield in the Oakleigh Chargers’ premiership last season, racking up 30 disposals, 10 clearances and six tackles. The midfielder is averaging 18 disposals per game at VFL level this season and coach Paul Hudson is a big admirer. Leads the Zebras in tackles and wins the ball in tight.

Robbie Fox
Coburg
187cm/87kg
16/4/93
In his second year at the Lions, Fox has upped his game considerably. Originally from Burnie in Tasmania, the midfielder has built on a strong pre-season to be a consistent performer for Coburg. Averaging 22 disposals per game and took an absolute hanger, which would feature on any highlights reel, against North Ballarat at the start of the season.

Michael Gibbons
Williamstown
174cm/70kg
15/5/95
Gibbons leads the VFL for disposals, averaging more than 30 disposals per game. Won 34 disposals to be adjudged the VFL’s best player and was awarded with the Frank Johnson medal in the state game against South Australia. The ball-magnet also won the Norm Goss medal in Williamstown’s Grand Final victory last season to underline his consistency and high-level play.

Hisham Kerbatieh
Northern Blues
177cm/88kg
16/5/97
An exciting goal sneak who joined the Northern Blues from the Calder Cannons at the start of the season. Kerbatieh has spent more time in the midfield for the Blues this year, averaging 20 disposals and he has also kicked 11 goals from 12 games. He has the ability to do some very special things and was unlucky not be drafted last season.

Hisham Kerbatieh showing off his skills for the Northern Blues. Picture: Daniel Pockett

Sam McLachlan
Geelong
187cm/84kg
22/9/95
The tall midfielder won North Warrnambool’s best and fairest last year as a 19-year-old in the Hampden League, earning him a call up to Geelong’s VFL team. McLachlan is athletic, he’s clean in congestion, he makes good decisions with the football and he’s kicked seven goals from 10 matches this season. A raw prospect, he’s also shown intent to hunt the opposition, averaging 4.4 tackles per game.

Luke Ryan
Coburg
185cm/82kg
6/2/96
The defender began the year in the VFL’s Development League but soon forced his way into coach Peter German’s team on the back of some irrepressible performances. He is excellent at reading the play and setting up attack from defence. Missed three games with an ankle injury but is still averaging 20.5 disposals in his first season at VFL level and has hit a real purple patch of late.

Will Sexton
Geelong
175cm/75kg
15/5/97
Unlucky not be drafted last season after finishing as runner-up in the Geelong Falcons’ best and fairest award, Sexton has really come on in his first season at VFL level. He uses the ball well across half-back and has shown improved defensive application to beat his direct opponent in one-on-one contests. Not afraid to put his body on the line when required.

Tom Stewart
Geelong
190cm/90kg
15/3/93
Was mentored by Matthew Scarlett at South Barwon in the Geelong Football League and has stepped up in his own right at the next level. The defender is strong in one-on-one contests, he’s quick off the mark and generally reads the flight of the ball better than his opponent. Likes to take the game and is a good user of the ball, particularly by foot.

Tom Stewart kicking out of defence during a VFL match against Collingwood. Picture: Graham Denholm

WAFL

Darcy Cameron
Claremont
204cm/104kg
18/7/95
Cameron was overlooked at the 2013 NAB AFL Draft with a query on his pace and his consistency in competing. But he’s improved those aspects of his game and presents as a mature-age tall who is able to play in the ruck and in attack. Cameron has enjoyed a solid season at WAFL level for Claremont.

Darcy Cameron during the 2013 NAB AFL Draft Combine. Picture: Darrian Traynor

Tyler Keitel
West Perth
194cm/91kg
7/2/96
The 20-year-old didn’t get picked in the draft two years ago but has returned to the WAFL and improved his game. Keitel has settled in a defensive role, and has become a reliable intercept marker, averaging five marks a game. He’s not a super runner but has also been used as a part-time ruckman at different stages.

Liam Ryan
Subiaco
184cm/76kg
2/10/96
Ryan is an Indigenous prospect from Geraldton who is super talented and regularly produces eye-catching moments. Ryan plays as a half-forward but is aerially very strong for a player his size, and he likes to fly for marks. But he’s also zippy and creative at ground level, where he makes the most of his chances.

Mason Shaw
South Fremantle
197cm/94kg
15/1/94
Shaw was a top-30 draft choice in 2012, but after three years at Port Adelaide he was delisted at the end of last season. He struggled with injury during his time at the Power and took a little bit of time to get going once back in Western Australia, but has kicked 31 goals in 14 WAFL games. In a draft skinny on talls, he might attract interest.

Francis Watson
Claremont
186cm/79kg
29/9/95
Watson has been on the scene for the past couple of years, and was a little unlucky not to be selected at the 2014 draft. Last year, as a rangey and plucky third tall defender, he showed more consistency and balance in his game, but then suffered a broken leg. He showed his ability in the air with 12 marks and 19 disposals for Claremont in round 13.
From http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-07-15/matureage-talent-on-show-around-the-state-leagues

Brett Eddy
South Adelaide
194cm/89kg
26/8/89
Eddy won an invitation to last year’s national draft combine and showed his classy ball use with top-10 finishes in the kicking and clean hands test. The powerful tall forward uses his strength and size to outbody and outmaneuver opponents, and has booted 43 goals in 13 games for South Adelaide this year. He is an excellent set shot for goal

The one i want excellent set shot for goal want x 100

A lot of guys sub-180 cm there. Interesting that Heppell isn’t on the list, there are a few state league watchers on BF and they don’t seem to put Heppell in the draftable group either. Could Heppell be another Blitz/Coughlan scenario?

Brett Eddy South Adelaide 194cm/89kg 26/8/89 Eddy won an invitation to last year's national draft combine and showed his classy ball use with top-10 finishes in the kicking and clean hands test. The powerful tall forward uses his strength and size to outbody and outmaneuver opponents, and has booted 43 goals in 13 games for South Adelaide this year. He is an excellent set shot for goal

The one i want excellent set shot for goal want x 100


Is turning 27, so why hasn’t he had a shot yet? Podsiadly syndrome?
A lot of guys sub-180 cm there. Interesting that Heppell isn't on the list, there are a few state league watchers on BF and they don't seem to put Heppell in the draftable group either. Could Heppell be another Blitz/Coughlan scenario?
Brett Eddy South Adelaide 194cm/89kg 26/8/89 Eddy won an invitation to last year's national draft combine and showed his classy ball use with top-10 finishes in the kicking and clean hands test. The powerful tall forward uses his strength and size to outbody and outmaneuver opponents, and has booted 43 goals in 13 games for South Adelaide this year. He is an excellent set shot for goal

The one i want excellent set shot for goal want x 100


Is turning 27, so why hasn’t he had a shot yet? Podsiadly syndrome?

Could give us a solid 5 years at FF with Joe at CHF

Willie Rioli please

A lot of guys sub-180 cm there. Interesting that Heppell isn't on the list, there are a few state league watchers on BF and they don't seem to put Heppell in the draftable group either. Could Heppell be another Blitz/Coughlan scenario?
Brett Eddy South Adelaide 194cm/89kg 26/8/89 Eddy won an invitation to last year's national draft combine and showed his classy ball use with top-10 finishes in the kicking and clean hands test. The powerful tall forward uses his strength and size to outbody and outmaneuver opponents, and has booted 43 goals in 13 games for South Adelaide this year. He is an excellent set shot for goal

The one i want excellent set shot for goal want x 100


Is turning 27, so why hasn’t he had a shot yet? Podsiadly syndrome?

Could give us a solid 5 years at FF with Joe at CHF

Have you seen him play? How would you rate his chances of being good enough at AFL level?

Dustin Fletcher

Good that nobody knows about Az Heppell yet.

A lot of guys sub-180 cm there. Interesting that Heppell isn't on the list, there are a few state league watchers on BF and they don't seem to put Heppell in the draftable group either. Could Heppell be another Blitz/Coughlan scenario?
Brett Eddy South Adelaide 194cm/89kg 26/8/89 Eddy won an invitation to last year's national draft combine and showed his classy ball use with top-10 finishes in the kicking and clean hands test. The powerful tall forward uses his strength and size to outbody and outmaneuver opponents, and has booted 43 goals in 13 games for South Adelaide this year. He is an excellent set shot for goal

The one i want excellent set shot for goal want x 100


Is turning 27, so why hasn’t he had a shot yet? Podsiadly syndrome?

Could give us a solid 5 years at FF with Joe at CHF

Have you seen him play? How would you rate his chances of being good enough at AFL level?

Watched one game today off this
https://au.tv.yahoo.com/plus7/sanfl/
Kicked three against Port Adelaide

8 Goal hall this year against Tyson Slattery (ex essendon?)

Goal of the year contender

Goal from the fifty on the boundary line

Seen a lot of Eddy and he could definately make it at AFL, reckon the style would actually suit him better. To me he has a lot of Gunston about him, good hands to go with his good 1 on 1 work and he is a true forward in that he leads well and is smart. Has a beautiful fluent kick on him that rarely misses. Not sure on what knocks he has had on him and why he hasn’t had a crack at AFL but I think in his younger years he was a little lazy and tended to rely on his pure skills than put in the extra effort. I’m staggered he isn’t on a AFL list

Seen a lot of Eddy and he could definately make it at AFL, reckon the style would actually suit him better. To me he has a lot of Gunston about him, good hands to go with his good 1 on 1 work and he is a true forward in that he leads well and is smart. Has a beautiful fluent kick on him that rarely misses. Not sure on what knocks he has had on him and why he hasn't had a crack at AFL but I think in his younger years he was a little lazy and tended to rely on his pure skills than put in the extra effort. I'm staggered he isn't on a AFL list

Want to start a bandwagon for eddy

Willie Rioli can fkn play.

Mason Shaw is a huge yes from me. Had OP, been fit now. I reckon he’s a really good rookie prospect though I reckon Freo will draft him.

Like Darcy Cameron too.

Hope we have a good hard look at Marcus Adams and Hartley (as well as Brown) for 1 or 2 of our later picks.

Darcy Cameron made me think of Cameron Conlon, anyone know what happened to him?


Good call on Hartley.

I like Liam Ryan from Subiaco as late-round prospect this year. He’s a 19 year old quick small forward who has already got some interest from clubs.

WA Lion Liam Ryan a stand-out prospect for AFL selectors

Date: May 18 2016

Kim Hagdorn
WAFL powerhouse Subiaco might have unveiled an AFL draft smoky.

Country recruit Liam Ryan was overlooked by East Fremantle in their traditionally rich country breeding zone of Geraldton and was swung into the reigning premiers’ forward line early this month.

He’s only made two senior Lions appearances but has already sent AFL talent scouts into a frenzy.

It is estimated that at least six AFL clubs have made inquiries to Lions staff on a new draft prospect in the west.

The silky smooth 19-year-old has been likened to Hawthorn superstar Cyril Rioli, with exhilarating and explosive talents as well as uncanny goal-kicking sense.

Ryan was not listed by East Fremantle when he turned 19 and automatically became a “free agent” to join a WAFL club of his choice.

He somewhat surprisingly joined the champions of the past two years after discussions with West Coast alignment outfit East Perth just before Christmas, and then joined the Lions’ summer training.

He has bagged six goals in his two senior outings, with a couple on debut in an 80-point thrashing from East Fremantle and then a classy four majors from nine disposals in a comfortable Lions 44-point win over Claremont last Saturday.

Ryan is now tipped to grow in appeal to AFL talent scouts who are scouring the nation for contenders for this year’s national draft in November.

West Australian footy great and commentator Peter Bell was impressed with his first sighting of the exciting small forward in a WAFL game last weekend.

The dual North Melbourne premiership star and Dockers’ legend predicts Ryan will attract substantial AFL interest across the remainder of the season heading into this year’s draft.

“Let me say that this is all from seeing him play in one game so far, but he seems to have all of the required attributes,” Bell said.

"He looked very clean with his ball handling and he didn’t fumble much, and he’s certainly got the physical ability for what you can expect in the AFL.

"He’s tall as well, at around 189cm, and he’s got a terrific vertical leap and not just with the really big mark he took.

"He has an uncanny ability to leap high in marking attempts from pretty much a standing start.

“He’s certainly worth watching as the season rolls on.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq6i_Icsico

Took another big hang last night. Looks the goods.

212.3cm

Willie Rioli please.

Willie Rioli please.

Was pretty good today

After seeing Sam Menegola be awesome on debut on Saturday night (earning it by getting 48 possessions in the VFL one week earlier) there has to be decent blokes around.

Ahmed Saad is leading the VFL goalkicking with 38 for example, Michael Gibbons (Williamstown) and Nick Rippon (North Ballarat) would all be worth a look.

After seeing Sam Menegola be awesome on debut on Saturday night (earning it by getting 48 possessions in the VFL one week earlier) there has to be decent blokes around.

Ahmed Saad is leading the VFL goalkicking with 38 for example, Michael Gibbons (Williamstown) and Nick Rippon (North Ballarat) would all be worth a look.

Menegola came 3rd in the Sandover having played half a season. He was also on 2 rookie lists (Freo and Hawthorn - top 4 or even 2 sides) so he’s a bit of an outlier. Not too many of him running around.

Which bit of that is an outlier? Been on rookie lists? High up in a state league award? That’s not so much as an outlier as giving you some guidance as to which 20 players to start narrowing it down from.

Of course he’s also only played one game, so to classify him as a success is pushing it at the moment.