Coach to teach tricks of trade

GEELONG Falcons coach Daniel O’Keefe says player development will be key in 2017, with a number of young stars vying for the attention of AFL recruiters.

Gun midfielder James Worpel headlines that list, already touted as a potential firstround draft pick.

The 18-year-old was labelled by former AFL Academy coach Brenton Sanderson as “ready made” for the top flight after his dominant display in last season’s NAB AFL All Stars under-17 match.

O’Keefe, who was a Round 1 draft pick with Sydney in 2006, said the on-baller had impressed in the off-season.

“I watched him train up at the Cats when he had his two weeks there and he trains well at that level, so it’s great to see someone of that age be so mature in body but also in mind,” the coach said.

“I think if he does get drafted, he’ll be ready to go.

“We teach craft skills and part of that is to take the kids’ strengths from being a B-plus strength to an A-plus strength, and then hopefully they can really stand out.

“It’s all about teaching tricks of the trade and different ways to use the footy.

“I think ‘ Worps’ is one in that area who has started to grow, and that’s where we can grow him in his development.”

But whether Worpel would be a top-10 pick, O’Keefe said there was a lot of water to go under the bridge.

“In terms of draft prospects, I think even (Hugh) McCluggage, at this time last year, I wouldn’t have thought was in the top 10 and he nearly goes No. 1, so it’s hard to tell this early,” he said.

The Falcons finished second last year before suffering a preliminary final exit, but O’Keefe said there were no reasons why his side could not aspire for greater.

“I expect us to be really competitive; a similar game style and method, and just tweaking a few things here and there to hopefully take us that next step further,” he said.

“But in regards to TAC Cup, it changes so much every year. There are so many variables in regards to teams and clubs, because half the squad changes.

“Last year we had an even mix of bottom and top age, which has set us up really strong for this year. We do have a strong top age year, which is a great thing, so quite a few of the boys have played TAC Cup and hopefully that can set us up.”