Action Jackson’s big breakthrough
THE door to an AFL career has been flung wide open for Tasmanian young gun Jackson Callow after he was called up by Hawthorn in the league’s “train-on” list of 25 players.
And in an amazing career twist, Callow is eligible to play for the Hawks in the AFL preseason competition and will be in line for a spot in their clash with North Melbourne at the home ground of his local club North Launceston – UTas Stadium – on March 6.
The teen sensation, who caught the eye of AFL recruiters as full-forward for the Tasmania Devils in the NAB League, mysteriously missed a call-up in the AFL Draft in December.
Callow, 18, is one of the chosen few with a chance to impress clubs and replace vacant list spots – whether left open or created by long-term injuries or retirements.
The shock retirement of brilliant onballer Tom Scully last week opened a spot on Hawthorn’s list that Callow hopes to grab with both hands.
The Hawks are also juggling with the dilemma of key forward Jon Patton being stood down indefinitely during an ongoing investigation into alleged lewd social media behaviour, and defender James Sicily’s ACL injury.
Clubs with an opening have the option of signing a footballer before the March 9 preseason supplemental selection period deadline, or wait until the mid-season draft.
AFL TRAIN-ON LIST
Adelaide: Nick Murray (Williamstown), Ayce Taylor (Adelaide) Carlton: Oscar McDonald (Melbourne), Callum Moore (Carlton), Zavier Maher (Murray Bushrangers) Collingwood: Jack Briskey (Sherwood Magpies) Essendon: Angus Baker (Canberra), Charlie Byrne (Murray Bushrangers), Alec Waterman (Claremont) Hawthorn: Will Bravo (Dandenong Stingrays), Jackson Callow (North Launceston/ Norwood) Melbourne: Kobe Farmer (Peel Thunder), Deakyn Smith (Dandenong Stingrays) North Melbourne: Flynn Appleby (Collingwood), Sam Skinner (Brisbane) Richmond: Nic Couroupis (West Adelaide), Josh Green (Marist), Rhyan Mansell (Woodville West Torrens), Derek Smith (Richmond) West Coast: Will Collins (Swan Districts), Cedric Cox (Brisbane/West Coast WAFL), Nick Martin (Subiaco) Western Bulldogs: Ewan MacPherson (Northern Knights), Corey Preston (Eastern Ranges), Anthony Scott (Footscray).