HOPE AND FEAR
Tassie’s young guns’ nervous wait for draft twists
AFL Tasmania hopes for the best but is preparing for the worst ahead for next month’s AFL draft when the state’s talented footballers face obstacles beyond their control.
Apart from the COVID crisis that resulted in the 2020 NAB League and the AFL combine being abandoned, this year’s draft is the most compromised in history as 18 of the 48 players who played in the 2019 under- 17 All- Star game are already linked to AFL clubs via father- son or Next Generation Academy selections.
On top of this, it is expected AFL lists will be reduced by two and rookie lists cut by one for next year, meaning not only will there be fewer selections on draft night but more delisted players looking for a second chance.
The AFL has ruled clubs can draft a minimum of one player, down from the minimum years.
Amid all of this, North Launceston key forward Jackson Callow, North Hobart duo Sam Collins and Patrick Walker, and Clarence midfielder Oliver Davis are trying to get selected on draft night, which of three of previous will be either December 8 or 9 on the Gold Coast.
Devils coach Cameron Joyce was asked if he would be shocked if no Tasmanians were selected on draft night.
“I’d be disappointed, definitely,” Joyce said.
“I think we have got some talented boys that AFL clubs would benefit by having them on their lists and they have got AFL attributes.
“Shocked? Well, I don’t think anyone thought the coronavirus was going to hit either.
“It is a very weird year and we’ve just got to be prepared for whatever comes in the first week of December.”
If the worst case scenario came to fruition, it would be the second consecutive year no Tasmanians were selected in the national draft.
Only Mitch O’Neill ( West Coast) and Matt McGuinness ( North Melbourne Next Generation Academy selection) were taken from Tasmania in last year’s rookie draft. O’Neill has been delisted after just one injury- riddled season.
However, there are already plans in place.
The NAB League is to be changed from an under- 18 to an under- 19 competition from next year onwards.
“If there is an opportunity ( to be drafted) great, and lets be ready for that,” Joyce said.
“But if there is not, then there is a really good alternative in coming back and looking at opportunities in the Devils’ under- 19s and full time in the NAB League next year.”