Turner has the case in hand
DRAFT hopeful Fraser Turner says he is primed and ready to impress at this week’s AFL Draft Combine after recovering from a season-ending hand injury. Turner missed Clarence’s elimination final loss to Lauderdale after he suffered a broken metacarpal bone in Round 19 against Launceston. “I got surgery on it early in a bid to get back for the finals with Clarence but unfortunately we got kicked out the first week,” Turner said.
DRAFT hopeful Fraser Turner says he is primed and ready to impress at this week’s AFL Draft Combine after recovering from a seasonending hand injury.
Turner missed Clarence’s elimination final loss to Lauderdale after he suffered a broken metacarpal bone in round 19 against Launceston.
“I got surgery on it early in a bid to get back for the finals with Clarence but unfortunately we got kicked out the first week,” Turner said.
“I’ve been able to run since I did it, but I’ve been back touching the footy for about a month or so and the body is feeling pretty good so I’m looking forward to the combine.”
Turner, 17, will head to Melbourne today with fellow draft hopefuls Nicholas Baker, Chayce Jones and Tarryn Thomas joining him in the four-day event that is considered the final chance to impress before November’s national draft.
“It’s the last chance to create a point of difference to get your name up there. It will be pretty tough. We’ve done similar testing this year but I’m sure it will be a lot different.”
Turner averaged an impressive 23.8 disposals across the under-18 championships and the year 12 student has leant on the experience of Roos coach and former Richmond player Jeromey Webberley throughout the year.
“Jez (Webberley) has been really good to me since coming back from Allies and obviously he’s been there and knows what I’m going through. He’s tried to play me in different positions to get me noticed.”
Turner understands the importance of showing his worth this week with recruiters’ eyes locked onto every move he makes at Marvel Stadium — formerly Etihad.
“You just want to show who you are and how hard you are able to work. It’s just trying to sell yourself as a player and a person for the next four days.”