O’Neill’s injury no issue at draft

AN injury which cost Mitch O’Neill the back end of his 2019 season will have no effect on his draft prospects, according to the AFL’s draft guru.

The star Devils midfielder, who was the only Tasmanian invited to the Draft Combine last month, hurt his knee in a clash against Eastern Ranges in July. However following two outstanding seasons which saw him earn consecutive under-18 All-Australian jumpers from the national championships, O’Neill is a virtual lock to have his name read out in two weeks’ time.

AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan has listed the North Hobart product among his annual top 40 prospects, and believes the youngster had shown enough of his talent to catch recruiters’ eyes despite his PCL injury.

“He’s had two terrific years, though with the back half of this year he had the injury, [and] we didn’t see him get to show his credentials to remind us of the talent that he’s got,” Sheehan said.

“But he’s done enough. He’s back-to-back All Australian, he’s not big but he’s very gifted in winning the ball in tight, he’s got that great ability to get through traffic with his step and I suppose finds an opening when there’s not space, that’s what the good players do.

“He stepped up every time, playing not just for Tassie but when he got into the Allies in that group against all the best kids from around the country.”

Sheehan did not discount the chances of the trio of Devils — Matt McGuinness, Jake Steele and Jared Dakin — who attended the State Draft Combine, especially when it comes to the rookie draft on the Friday. “Matt is a definite chance over that period, he’s continued to develop this year, which is a great thing.”

Sheehan is also bullish about a crop of Devils who will be draft-eligible in 2020.

Clarence duo Sam Banks and Oliver Davis, North Hobart pair Sam Collins and Patrick Walker and North Launceston key forward Jackson Callow have all been selected in next year’s NAB AFL National Academy Allies squad, with only Banks unable to be drafted as a bottom-ager.

“They’re the ones that come to mind that really look to have AFL potential at this point in time,” Sheehan said.

“The encouraging part [of the Devils joining the NAB League full time] is it allowed those 17-year-olds to get that experience, they played all year those boys.”