Likeable larrikin has a hard edge

IF fleet-footed, pressure forward lines remain the premiershipwinning recipe for years to come, then Geelong Falcons’ Ned McHenry is sure to be a hot commodity this week.

The 176cm small forward has speed and endurance few in this year’s draft crop can match, as well as a personality that can only be likened to Richmond’s Jack Higgins.

Infectious, talkative and entertaining, McHenry (pictured) has “fan favourite” written all over him and, as a footballer, the 18-year-old is built for the modern game.

“Some of the similarities are pretty funny that have come out a bit lately, I think it’s probably more because of my personality,” he said with a laugh.

“I actually don’t know ‘Higgo’ that well, so I’m not sure how alike we are there.

“But from a player perspective, I think we could play pretty similar roles.

“I look at the way he plays and I really value and idolise his intensity around the ball and how clean he is — that’s something I want to get better at — and his tackling, so I do try to work on those in my game.”

The likeable larrikin — a Geelong College student, who lived in Macedon until he was 12 — runs 30km for fun, but has the footy nous to match the athleticism.

So highly rated is McHenry he has been invited to tomorrow night’s draft opening where the