Stephens sends reminder after season out with a broken leg
GEELONG Falcons cocaptain Cooper Stephens is firmly back on the draft radar after defying expectations in a stunning return from injury at the AFL Draft Combine.
Stephens did not play after Round 3 with a broken leg, but showed his resilience by tying for first in the yo-yo test with Greater Western Victoria Rebels midfielder Jay Rantall.
Falcons head of athlete development Matt Critchley took the Colac product through a long boot camp, giving him every chance to remind recruiters of his athletic potential despite effectively a year out of the game.
Critchley’s work has drawn high praise from Falcons talent manager Michael Turner, who credits the fitness guru for preparing his players for the rigours of AFL life.
“In rehab (Stephens) worked extremely hard to get himself in a position where he could test well,” Critchley said.
“(After the break), the focus became about, ‘Where can you get him to by the time the combine comes around?’
“We committed to each other that we were going to give it everything we had.
“He’s a big-moment performer. I knew he could do the stuff. He was capable to actually go out there and perform on the big stage.”
Joint co-captain Jesse Clark also impressed at the Draft Combine, with the St Joseph’s junior registering personal bests in each test. The Combine combined physical tests with club interviews.
Clark said he was focused on his Year 12 exams to occupy his mind as he waited for the draft on November 27.
“I was pretty confident heading into (the Combine) knowing I’ve done all the work possible,” he said.
“Obviously (Critchley) put in a lot of work for us and got us really fit and as good as I’ve been all season.
“Throughout the season I’ve had a few clubs come and meet with the parents and have chats — it gives you a bit of a taste of the recruiters.
“I’m going to have a little break over the next week to freshen up the body and I’ll switch my focus to exams.
“I will look to get as much study in as I can and that will help take my mind off footy.”