DYNAMOS MAKING CASES FOR AFL DRAFT
FOUR of the state’s most promising young draft hopefuls were put through their paces in Hobart on Monday for the state’s AFL Draft Combine.
Tassie Devils Tyler McGinniss (North Hobart), Oliver Sanders (North Launceston), Baker Smith (Clarence) and Will Splann (North Hobart) all took part in the combine which allowed the young stars their final opportunity to showcase their athletic prowess and one last chance to impress recruiters ahead of next month’s National AFL Draft.
Each of the four players, as well as Clarence’s Sam Bankswho did not take part due to injury- were invited to the combine after at least two AFL clubs nominated each player to take part to gain a batter understanding of the physical attributes the players possess.
The young footballers were first put through a series of physical indoor tests consisting of a standing vertical jump, running vertical jump, 20m sprint, and the AFL agility testheld at the Southern Tasmania Netball Association in New Town- before finishing with a 2km time trial at the Domain Athletics Centre.
New Devils head coach Jeromey Webberley was on hand to watch his crop of young Devils and emphasised the importance the combine can have on a player’s draft chances.
“They obviously put themselves on show throughout the majority of the year and today is an opportunity to show their physical attributes so it’s a really important” Webberley said.
“All of those guys are here because they have some interest from AFL clubs and if they go well today there’s no reason they can’t be drafted,” he said.
“There’s never a guarantee in the AFL Draft but these guys are obviously here for a reason and it’ll be exciting to see who goes in the draft.”