Long-term strategy starting to pay off

IT’S taken seven years for the Giants to draft a player from Western Sydney but Nick Shipley could be worth the wait.

The Campbelltown product is on the verge of selection for the first round against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra.

Another good performance in tonight’s JLT match against the Swans at Blacktown might just get the deal done.

“Absolutely he’s a chance to play in Round 1,” Giants coach Leon Cameron said.

“There’s probably four or five guys in our in our NEAFL team in the same boat. There are about 19 spots that are nailed but there are two or three which have the ability to change depending on the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing what Nick can do.”

At 188cm and 93kg, Shipley is a classic big-bodied midfielder with an outstanding running capacity.

He impressed on the wing in the Giants’ practice matches against the Swans two weeks ago and Collingwood last Thursday night in Canberra. He also played in last month’s AFLX tournament.

“Nick’s running ability is first class,” Cameron said.

“With an 18-year-old it’s so important in deciding whether they can play early. He’s an elite runner already and he’s only going to get better.

“He plays that wing role really well and he can also play inside. We were really impressed with his ability to absorb pressure.

“He will make mistakes like all young kids do but we’re definitely excited and a little bit surprised at how quickly he’s poked his nose up.”

Shipley played soccer for the Macarthur Rams until the age of 15 before making the switch to AFL. He was a member of the Giants Academy and taken with pick 64 in last year’s national draft.

His rapid ascent has even surprised the teenager.

“I never thought I’d be this close in my first year,” he said.