Archive for December, 2010
Strength of reserves
0They won’t receive half the attention of November’s NAB AFL Draft selections, and they quite literally are the talent pool leftovers. But if any of Tuesday’s rookie draftees think the opportunity they’ve been given is diluted in any way, they’re kidding themselves.
AFL recruiting has become so scientific that there is almost no doubt a small handful of this year’s rookie class will emerge as long-term players at the top level.
Unlike the national draft, however, there is less certainty that those success stories will be the players picked at the pointy end of the player lottery. They could come from anywhere.
There are three reasons why rookies are prospering now more than ever, with the first being the stronger prospects of being drafted.
Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney bring two full lists to fill, but they have also forced rival clubs to be more innovative with their recruiting because of the compromised nature of recent and future drafts.
New Fremantle recruit John Anthony wants to repay Dockers’ faith
1John Anthony got his wish when taken by Fremantle with the sixth pick in Tuesday’s AFL pre-season draft, and now the former Collingwood utility is desperate to repay the Dockers for their show of faith.
Fremantle nabbed Anthony after he played 43 matches over three years for the Magpies, his stint including a standout 50-goal season in 2009 before he managed just seven appearances in 2010 and missed out on the ‘Pies premiership.
Anthony quickly realised his future was not at Collingwood, and now the 22-year-old – who is capable of playing as a key forward or defender – is glad to be at Fremantle and is willing to play wherever coach Mark Harvey puts him.
“It’s about getting that opportunity again and all I want to do is play senior football,” Anthony said.
“I’m thankful to the Fremantle Football Club for giving me the chance to hopefully do so. I’ve got a long road ahead of me, a whole pre-season to get through and I have to earn my spot.
SA duo join Fremantle
0Fremantle has picked up South Australian duo Gavin Roberts and Nick Lower in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
Nineteen-year-old Roberts, from Norwood, was taken with pick 20 after training with Fremantle in recent weeks.
He is a medium-sized player with good athleticism and elite speed and endurance.
Lower, 23, also from Norwood, was selected in the second round (pick 37).
He was drafted by Port Adelaide in the 2005 AFL Draft (pick 30) and played 20 games in four seasons with the Power before being delisted at the end of the 2009 season.
The medium-sized Lower played mostly as a half-back flanker at Port Adelaide and had a reputation for being a hard-at-it type.
Fremantle also gave AFL lifelines to Ben Bucovaz (pick 53) and Tim Ruffles (pick 68).
The pair, who were drafted by Freo in the 2008 AFL Draft, were both delisted at the end of the 2010 season but will get another crack at a spot on the senior list.
Fremantle secures Jack Anthony
0The Fremantle Dockers have secured the services of former Collingwood player Jack Anthony with the sixth pick in the NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft.
Anthony has been training with Fremantle since 15 November after he was granted permission by the AFL to train with the club.
The 22-year-old will offer Fremantle an option at either end of the ground, having played as both a forward and as a defender during his 43 games with the Magpies.
He kicked 50 goals for Collingwood in 2009 but struggled to break into the 2010 Premiers’ side this year.
Fully fit the Mayne aim for Dockers forward
0Chris Mayne could be forgiven for refusing to deviate from the script or setting himself any lofty goals because he knows you cannot take your place in the game for granted.
Fremantle’s high-leaping forward was overlooked in the 2006 national draft after groin problems ruined his season.
And after fighting his way into the AFL via Perth, Mayne has continued to battle injury.
For the 22-year-old, 2011 shapes as the season where he could stop being talked about mainly in terms of his potential.
Having played 36 AFL games for an average of exactly one goal a match, Mayne is desperate to complete a sterling pre-season to lay the base for a full campaign next year.
“I’ve been working very closely with the fitness staff and physio staff to get the right program for me and everything’s going along smoothly,” he said.
Asked if his role could change next season as the Dockers consider going with a taller forward line courtesy of the additions of Jack Anthony and Jonathon Griffin, Mayne just wants to make sure he is fit and available in Round 1.
Surgery rules Hayden out
0Fremantle defender Roger Hayden is recovering from surgery on his left foot that will delay his return until early to midway through season 2011.
Hayden had the operation on Monday and will be on crutches for six to eight weeks.
General manager of football operations Chris Bond said today that Hayden had not recovered as well as expected from a fracture in his foot and that surgery was required.
“At this stage on medical advice, we believe that Roger should be available early to midway through the 2011 season,” he said.