Dons, Crows make big calls on NGA talent
ESSENDON has nominated forward Anthony Munkara through the Next Generation Academy process, allowing it to match rival bids on the Tiwi Islands product in this month’s national draft.
The West Adelaide 18-yearold has been viewed as something of a mystery prospect given he has not played football since July after returning home due to a series of family tragedies in a short period.
Clubs had until last Wednesday to decide on their NGA nominees and the Bombers opted to ensure they had priority access for the 188cm talent. Under the system’s rules this year, Essendon cannot match a bid on him until after pick 40, giving other teams the chance to draft him beforehand.
The Bombers will automatically be able to rookie-list Munkara if no one drafts him.
Munkara, who tested at last month’s national combine, impressed playing for an AFL academy team against Collingwood’s VFL side in May.
But recruiters did not see much of him this year.
He lined up in just two official under-18 games for West Adelaide in 2022, kicking 4.1 in the first and 2.0 in the second, and sparingly at college level for Westminster. Father-son duo Alwyn and Jayden Davey are also tied to the Bombers this year. Essendon has picks 4, 22, 54, 62, 68 and 72.
Meanwhile, the Crows have chosen not to nominate North Adelaide and SA under-18 forward/ruckman Isaac Keeler under NGA rules.
There is a reasonable chance Keeler, who has been likened to Paddy Ryder, will not be available after pick 40 anyway, given he is viewed as a potential second-round selection. Adelaide, which is tipped to make two picks, holds No. 46, 56 and 59. The national draft will be held on November 28 and 29.