The AFL Draft Combine saw records shattered and top prospects showcasing their skills, despite several first-round hopefuls missing out due to injury. The event brought together 65 Australian prospects and two Irish youngsters in Melbourne, with club interviews at the MCG and testing at the AIA Centre and Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Academy graduates stole the show, with Swans Academy’s Joel Cochran winning the 2km time trial in 6:03 minutes. Eagles NGA’s Malakai Champion set early benchmarks in the 20m sprint and agility test, while Suns Academy star Leo Lombard topped the agility test with a time of 7.812 seconds and recorded a blistering 2.851 second 20m sprint.
Essendon NGA’s Jayden Nguyen impressed with a 2.897 second 20m sprint, while Northern Knights’ tall forward Gabriel Stumpf clocked 2.81 seconds in the 20m sprint, equaling the fifth-fastest time ever. WA’s Bo Allan managed a scintillating 7.94 seconds in the agility test, drawing comparisons with West Coast’s Elliot Yeo.
Finn O’Sullivan, a high-flying midfielder from Koroit, consolidated his draft stock with impressive results in the 20m sprint, agility test, and 2km time trial. Despite dealing with four separate injuries this year, O’Sullivan remains in contention for Richmond’s pick one.
Isaac Kako, a small forward from Essendon NGA, is primed for a full preseason after undergoing ankle surgery six weeks ago. The first-round talent told ESPN he’s ready to hit the ground running and is poised to have his name read out on the first night of the draft.
Basketball prodigy Alex Dodson has chosen footy over college scholarships, declining US college offers and an Adelaide 36ers contract to pursue a career in the AFL. The top-30 prospect turned heads at the national championships and averaged 20.8 disposals, 24.9 hitouts, and 4.6 clearances for Sturt in the SANFL U18s.
Ollie Hannaford, a Rebels forward, has risen into first-round calculations after a stunning finish to the season, capped off with strong state combine results. The prolific goal-kicker recorded a sub-three second 20m sprint and offers power and speed on the field.
South Australia’s Sid Draper rejected reports that his camp is concerned with the Crows’ treatment of its youngsters, saying he holds no resentment against the club. The clean and speedy midfielder has suitors at the top of the board, including the Crows at pick four and St Kilda with selections seven and eight.
Leave a Reply