GOOD ENOUGH TO PLAY AFL
Former St Kilda champion Danny Frawley’s ringing endorsement of a GFL star WEDNESDAY WHISPERS
FORMER St Kilda champion Danny Frawley says Sam Dobson is “stiff” not to be on an AFL list as the St Mary’s product faces the biggest decision of his football career.
New Vic Country coach Frawley revealed he was desperate for the star forward to line up in the city-versus-country clash on Saturday, urging Geelong’s VFL team to release him.
“We’re desperate for him to play but Geelong are putting a bit of pressure on him to keep playing in the VFL,” Frawley said.
“We’d love to have him in the Vic Country team, but it’s probably his call in the end.
“He’s been filling in for Geelong and he kicked six goals on the weekend, so it’s up in the air.
“He needs to work out if he plays for Geelong or us.
“I tried to explain to Sam that there’s going to be a lot of AFL scouts at our game. He’s done enough at VFL level to warrant a spot on a rookie list at Geelong but if he plays for Vic Country he’s going to have 18 recruiting officers watching.
“From what I’ve seen, he’s probably stiff not to be on an AFL list now.
“In saying that, he’s probably under the height of a keyposition forward at AFL level and he’ll probably need to play that half-forward role.
“But he’s very smart, he’s tough and he uses the ball extremely well.”
The GFL is well represented with seven of the eight players named in the extended squad on June 9 in the frame to play against the VAFA at Frankston Oval.
Rob Condy and Matt McMahon (Newtown & Chilwell), Jason Davenport (North Shore), Chris Moreland (Geelong West Giants) and Ben Dobson (St Mary’s) have all been guaranteed a spot in the line-up, with Giant Jayden Symes fighting former St Joseph’s premiership ruckman Lachlan Howe for the ruck role. Colac’s Campbell Floyd, injured while playing in the Cats’ VFL team, is the only GFL player to miss selection.
“Symes could be a chance,” Frawley said.
“It just depends if our other ruckman (Howe) is available.”
Howe’s inclusion could be dependent on his selection for Collingwood’s VFL team.
McMahon was best afield in the GFL’s championship win over Mornington Peninsula and Frawley said he and Eagles’ teammate Condy, as well as Davenport, were in the frame to lead the team.
“We’ll decide the leadership group tomorrow night but I’d be surprised if a couple of those guys weren’t in contention for captaincy and vice-captaincy roles,” Frawley said.