Five NSW/ACT players to attend combine
Jake Barrett, Kieran Ellis, Michael Gibbons, Max King and Nathan Gordon will attend the 2013 combine while a further four NSW/ACT players are amongst an additional 100 players to be tested at State Combines in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
To attend the NAB AFL Draft Combine, players must be nominated by at least five AFL clubs.
The Draft Combine measures a combination of athleticism and football skills as well as assessing each player’s personality and character – all essential elements clubs need to consider in the drafting process.
Kieran Ellis, Michael Gibbons and Max King all hail from southern NSW, playing with the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup competition and enjoyed success for the NSW/ACT RAMS at the recent NAB AFL Under-18 National Championships, while Temora’s Jake Barrett also impressed.
They will be joined at the National Combine by former Sydney Swans rookie, 23-year-old Nathan Gordon who originates from Kellyville in Sydney and is currently playing in the SANFL.
Belconnen juniors Jack Steele and Jedd Clothier as well as Deniliquin’s Doug Bond and Walla Walla’s Jydon Neagle, son of the late Merv Neagle and a possible father-son selection for Essendon, were invited to the state combine in Melbourne.
AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan said the NAB AFL Draft Combine is an integral part of the decision-making process for AFL recruiters.
“This year’s Draft Combine will be the twentieth time the clubs have come together to test the country’s best young footballers.
“Clubs are widening their focus to include more senior players. It is very positive to see players from state league competitions being given the chance to come one step closer to joining an AFL list,” he said.
The 2013 NAB Draft Combine will be conducted at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne from Tuesday October 1 to Friday October 4.
The NAB AFL Draft Combine is part of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL.
AFL NSW/ACT State Coach Jason Saddington details each player’s attributes and playing style below:
NATIONAL COMBINE
Jake Barrett – 182cm Club: Temora
Inside Midfielder with elite endurance. In only his third season of football, Jake impressed at the National Championships with his clearance and contested ball work. A hard running midfielder with a strong competitive edge. Cousin to Luke Bruest (Hawthorn) and Trent Barrett, former Rugby League star.
Max King – 200cm Club: Murray Bushrangers/Wagga Tigers
Tall forward/Ruckman with great athletic qualities. Max impressed at the National Championships with his strong overhead marking and clean ground level skills. Kicked 11 goals for the Championships and is very mobile for his size.
Michael Gibbons – 174cm Club: Murray Bushrangers/Lavington
Plays predominantly as a midfielder gathering high possession. Strong clearance player who performed strongly at the Nationals averaging 26 possessions per game and an incredible seven tackles per game. Clever player around stoppages who can also play as a dangerous small forward. Displays strong leadership qualities. Vice-Captain of the NSW/ACT RAMS in 2013.
Kieran Ellis – 187cm Club: Murray Bushrangers/Albury
Dashing left footer capable of playing many positions. Performed strongly at the National Championships at half back providing great run and drive from defence. A strong endurance athlete with great courage and skill overhead. In only his third season of football, Kieran comes from an elite soccer background.
Nathan Gordon – North Adelaide
Delisted by the Swans at the end of 2012, this former Baulkham Hills/East Coast junior has impressed recruiters with North Adelaide in the SANFL in 2013. A former NSW/ACT RAMS representative.
STATE COMBINE
Jedd Clothier 189cm Club: Calder Cannons/Belconnen
Jedd is an Essendon Scholarship holder and has demonstrated great versatility as an inside midfielder with the ability to play also as a permanent forward target. A former Narooma and Belconnen junior, Jedd has spent the season with Calder in the TAC Cup competition. Averaged 16 possessions, five marks and three tackles per game at the National Championships.
Jydon Neagle 185cm Club: Murray Bushrangers/Walla Walla
Strong contested ball winner with great hands who plays mainly as a goal kicking mid-sized forward. Impressed at the Nationals kicking 10 goals including a six goal haul against the Northern Territory. Son of former Essendon star Merv, Jydon has also demonstrated an ability to play as a possession winning wingman and half forward. Clever football brain.
Jack Steele 184cm Club: Belconnen
Jack missed the entire National Championships due to a knee injury but had impressed many with his early season form for Belconnen and the GIANTS Academy. An inside midfielder/half forward Jack possesses great hands and skill. A strong one-touch player who rarely fumbles in contested situations. Great overhead mark for his size enabling him to be a dangerous goal kicking forward.
Doug Bond 178cm Club: Geelong Falcons/Deniliquin Rams
Doug missed the entire National Championships due to a shoulder injury. A boarder at Geelong Grammar hailing from southern NSW, Doug has impressed over the past two seasons with the Geelong Falcons in the TAC Cup competition. A highly skilled and clever footballer who has performed best to date as a wingman/half forward. A competitive type with great character.
