Young Constable among group set to make impact
GEELONG has bolstered its on-ball stocks at last night’s AFL draft, selecting a trio of midfielders that could be ready to play senior football in 2018.
The Cats opted to stick to their guns by picking the best players available rather than fill perceived gaps in the list, with All-Australian teenager Lachlan Fogarty, South Fremantle’s mature-aged Tim Kelly and Sandringham Dragons gun Charlie Constable all set to join Chris Scott’s men in the pursuit of a premiership.
Kelly was runner-up in this year’s Sandover Medal in the WAFL and Constable starred in the TAC Cup grand final against the Geelong Falcons, with both players adding size and bulk in the middle of the ground.
The Cats also nabbed local small forward Gryan Miers, with list manager Stephen Wells saying Geelong would walk away extremely pleased with all of its picks.
“It was one of those drafts that was very, very even so we weren’t surprised with any of the picks that clubs made,” Wells said.
“But when Lachie got through to us we were very pleased and of course we had to make a decision on a whole group of players ourselves, but to pick Lachie with his numbers that he had this year and the type of player he is was nice.
“Charlie’s numbers are fantastic and he performed really well this year, but he would acknowledge himself he has got to improve his running, and we’re willing to invest in him.”
Kelly looks the most likely to slot into Geelong’s engine room, having averaged 26 disposals in the WAFL and kick- ing 26 goals in a stellar season.
Wells said the 23-year-old had similar attributes to the Cats’ mature-aged recruits of recent years, but would not put a limit on what any of the club’s recruits could produce next season.
“Tim Kelly is the most ready made with his experience over in the WAFL. He is a bit like Sam Menegola and Tom Stewart who we’ve brought in over the last couple of years, we think he can do well for us with his experience and age,” Wells said.
“Gryan Miers kicked seven goals in the grand final but kicking 50 goals over the course of the year just meant that he was one we were happy to pick at pick 58.
“The other players (apart from Kelly) are all coming out of under-18 footy but we think they can cope very well with whatever we throw at them next year.”
The draftees will spend some time with family in the coming days before meeting some of their new teammates next week.
‘It was one of those drafts that was very, very even’ GEELONG LIST MANAGER STEPHEN WELLS