ADELAIDE KNOCKS BACK NEXT GENERATION PAIR
ADELAIDE will not be nominating two nephews of AFL greats as Next Generation Academy prospects for next month’s national draft.
The Crows have access to Blayne O’Loughlin, whose uncle is Sydney champion Michael O’Loughlin, and Isaiah Dudley, the nephew of recently retired stars Shaun Burgoyne and Eddie Betts, but they are instead heading for the open draft because the club has already filled its two Category
B rookie spots. Adelaide retained defender James Borlase and speedster Tariek Newchurch last month.
It means if another club calls half-back O’Loughlin or small forward Dudley’s names on November 25, the Crows cannot match the bids to secure them.
Adelaide still has the Indigenous duo in its talent order, but now has to see how things unfold at the draft.
Landing them would seem unlikely. Armed with pick 4, the Crows do not have a selection between 33 and 75 – the range O’Loughlin is considered most likely to be taken.
Dudley is tipped to be a late or rookie option, but there have been concerns with his work ethic.
O’Loughlin was SA’s best in the AFL grand final curtainraiser in the under-19 match against Western Australia in Perth a fortnight ago.
Captaining North Adelaide’s under-18s this season, the 171cm left-footer averaged 28.5 disposals from 13 matches at that level.