David EdwardsAFL National Draft Draws Some Surprises, and Some Retirements
December 12th 2006 12:15
The AFL National Draft was done and dusted in just two minutes, but within that time frame some players got a second, or even a third chance, whilst some players looked towards a future not playing the game in the national league.
With only eight teams competing, and only nine draft positions available, it was no surprise that it was able to wrap up so quickly.
Whilst the first two selections were no surprise, as Carlton picked up former Saints ruckman Cain Ackland and Essendon recruited the controversial selection of Mal Michael, it was the next two position to provided the biggest surprise of the day.
As the Kangaroos went with pick three, and a number of experienced players still available for selection, they went against all odds and picked up youngster Ben Ross. The 18 year old forward was picked for his goal-sneaking ability, and whilst the side had focused on a number of experienced players in previous seasons, they continued with their young drive and nabbed the young player.
Port Adelaide soon followed suit, picking up 20-year-old Adam Cockshell from the SANFL. Cockshell, who had been participating in some pre-season training with the Power, will be looked towards evolving into a key position.
Hawthorn threw the third spanner in the works, reclaiming Josh Thurgood, who they released from their side earlier this year. Thurgood suffered with injury woes throughout 2006, and with some regards to his weight, coming in at 190cm for only 77 kg, their was a question mark of his stability on the field.
However in his handful of games for the side, he was able to show the bravery and courage the Hawks are currently renowned for, the selectors were able to give him one final chance.
The rest of the selection went without any more surprises. Richmond nabbed former Geelong forward Kent Kingsley, St Kilda was able to convince retiring Crow Matthew Clarke for one more season, and Collingwood and Carlton swapped former players in the final two spots, as the Magpies picked up former Blues youngster Chris Bryan, as Carlton grabbed Cameron Cloke in the final spot of the day.
It was a tight selection, and with only nine spots on the card, many players were able to grab a spot in 2007. Young star and captain of the Victorian Metro side, Leigh Adams, was considered extremely unlucky not to earn a spot in both the AFL and national draft, whilst experienced players like Ben Hart from Adelaide, Clarke Kennedy from Brisbane and Andrew Kelleway from Richmond will now have to walk away from the game for now.
But there was a number of life preservers thrown today. Michael and Clarke were both convinced out of retirement to play for their third side in their career, whilst Kingsley will also play in his third jumper after a horrid year as Geelong’s number one forward, earning only ten goals from nine games this season.
But with all the changes this year, the focus was once again on the new generation of players. Whilst some stars seemed to blink out rather than walk away with dignity, today proved that there are a small handful of players that are likely to shine brightly for some years to come.
Until next time, sports minds.
With only eight teams competing, and only nine draft positions available, it was no surprise that it was able to wrap up so quickly.
Whilst the first two selections were no surprise, as Carlton picked up former Saints ruckman Cain Ackland and Essendon recruited the controversial selection of Mal Michael, it was the next two position to provided the biggest surprise of the day.
As the Kangaroos went with pick three, and a number of experienced players still available for selection, they went against all odds and picked up youngster Ben Ross. The 18 year old forward was picked for his goal-sneaking ability, and whilst the side had focused on a number of experienced players in previous seasons, they continued with their young drive and nabbed the young player.
Port Adelaide soon followed suit, picking up 20-year-old Adam Cockshell from the SANFL. Cockshell, who had been participating in some pre-season training with the Power, will be looked towards evolving into a key position.
Hawthorn threw the third spanner in the works, reclaiming Josh Thurgood, who they released from their side earlier this year. Thurgood suffered with injury woes throughout 2006, and with some regards to his weight, coming in at 190cm for only 77 kg, their was a question mark of his stability on the field.
However in his handful of games for the side, he was able to show the bravery and courage the Hawks are currently renowned for, the selectors were able to give him one final chance.
The rest of the selection went without any more surprises. Richmond nabbed former Geelong forward Kent Kingsley, St Kilda was able to convince retiring Crow Matthew Clarke for one more season, and Collingwood and Carlton swapped former players in the final two spots, as the Magpies picked up former Blues youngster Chris Bryan, as Carlton grabbed Cameron Cloke in the final spot of the day.
It was a tight selection, and with only nine spots on the card, many players were able to grab a spot in 2007. Young star and captain of the Victorian Metro side, Leigh Adams, was considered extremely unlucky not to earn a spot in both the AFL and national draft, whilst experienced players like Ben Hart from Adelaide, Clarke Kennedy from Brisbane and Andrew Kelleway from Richmond will now have to walk away from the game for now.
But there was a number of life preservers thrown today. Michael and Clarke were both convinced out of retirement to play for their third side in their career, whilst Kingsley will also play in his third jumper after a horrid year as Geelong’s number one forward, earning only ten goals from nine games this season.
But with all the changes this year, the focus was once again on the new generation of players. Whilst some stars seemed to blink out rather than walk away with dignity, today proved that there are a small handful of players that are likely to shine brightly for some years to come.
Until next time, sports minds.
| 43 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
