Mr.Craig's Rookie Spotlight

[Matty411]

Also (I know I'm asking a lot but these would get requested soon anyway) Nick Vlastuin - gun on the future.

Cheers Craigy

[Adamant]

Jake Stringer

whattttt theeee flowerkkk!?!?!?!?!?!

i looked at it and didn't know why you posted it... then....  :-[

that looks terrible!

For a closer look...

[Mr.Craig]

Sam Colquhoun



Birthday - 20/12/94
179cm/72kg
Club - Central District
Price/Position - $102,700 Mid/Def

Drafted - Pick 3 Pre Season Draft Port Adelaide

Sam is a rebounding defender who has been praised for his versatility and decision making. Earned Under 18 All Australian honours this year and was named S.A's MVP. He had a brilliant carnival, in particular a 32 disposal best afield effort vs Western Australia and also had another game where he racked up 36 touches. His primary role has been as a link man out of defence ( in the W.A game he had 17 handball receives ) and as such most of his possessions are uncontested. Sam played 18 games in the SANFL reserves this season for DT scores of 78, 60, 108, 89, 99, 71, 47, 145, 77, 70, 117, 80, 83, 82, 82, 160, 88 and 86 (Ave: 90.1).

Being on the younger side of this year's draft pool it will be interesting to see if he's given early opportunities. If Colquhoun's able to step up to AFL standard as expected then he has the DT potential to not only be a great cash cow but a possible keeper.

Not being selected in the draft didn't help that potential much but thanfully gave him a much deserved chance with one of their PSD selections so at least he's on the main list.

Kevin Sheehan says: "Small defender who is a brilliant reader of the play and rarely fumbles. Set up many rebounds for SA in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, averaging 28.4 disposals and six marks across the five matches. Won SA's Most Valuable Player and rewarded with All-Australian honours."

Brenton Phillips says - "I think he has proven himself amongst his age group. The fact he was named in the All-Australian side speaks volume of his performance ... he controlled the backline. He can play down back, in the midfield and up forward. He is also a very good decision maker."

Media -

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/150127/default.aspx
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/149297/default.aspx
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/versatile-colquhoun-on-afl-radar/story-fn525un5-1226430017340
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=139930
http://www.cdfc.com.au/club-news/mvp-and-all-australian-honours-to-colquhoun/

YouTube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBJQvW_u19c

[tbagrocks]

Troy Menzel may have just done his knee in the Centralv West final at AAmi Stadium, hope not :-\

[Adamant]

Awesome work on these write-ups Mr. Craig!

[Mr.Craig]

Troy Menzel may have just done his knee in the Centralv West final at AAmi Stadium, hope not :-\

Watching now, does not look good. :(

[Mr.Craig]

Nick Vlastuin



Birthday - 19/4/94
187cm/83kg
Northern Knights
Price/Position - $147,700 Def/Mid

Drafted Round 1 Pick 9 Richmond

Nick captained Vic Metro in the Under 18 Championships last year, following in the footsteps of Jack Grimes, Michael Hurley, David Zaharakis and Billy Longer. He is a half back flanker who leads from the front and doesn't mind getting his hands dirty. It's more than just the red hair which has led to Metro coach Rohan Welsh comparing him to Brisbane champ Michael Voss. In the TAC this season he played 10 games for scores of 81, 73, 92, 75, 59, 76, 125, 60, 75 and 165 (Ave: 88.1).

While Vlastuin admits he didn't have the best of Under 18 carnivals, he was still selected in the All Australian backline alongside Colquhoun and Toumpas. I'm not sure if he'll get enough of the ball to be a viable DT pick but if he's given an opportunity in the NAB keep an eye on him.

Kevin Sheehan says: “Medium midfielder/defender who attacks the ball aggressively and rarely fumbles. Strong and courageous in the air, he also excels at the stoppages. Loves the physical pressure of the game, winning contested ball and tackles strongly. Captained Vic Metro in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and won All-Australian honours for his work as a medium defender averaging 16.6 disposals and 4.6 marks. AIS-AFL Academy member.”

Media -

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/150615/default.aspx
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/150003/default.aspx
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/localfooty/future-in-good-nick/story-fn53klc6-1226436992026
http://www.footballnation.com.au/latest-news/draft-prospect-in-focus-nick-vlastuin/

YouTube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdCfj63-xpQ

[Mr.Craig]

Oliver Wines



Birthday - 7/10/94
185cm/83kg
Bendigo Pioneers
Price/Position - $156,700 Mid

Round 1 Pick 7 Port Adelaide

Wines is considered one of the most AFL-ready players in this year's batch of midfield prospects. He works hard on the inside, reads the play well and has excellent endurance. DT coaches will also be pleased to hear that he loves to tackle, racking up 13 in one game this season. He averaged 24.2 disposals for Vic Country in the Under 18 Championships and was named an All Australian. Still not convinced? Here's his Dream Team scores from the 2012 TAC Cup - 138, 129, 60, 138, 119, 146, 92, 95, 125 and 112 (Ave: 115.4). He was named in the best for all but one of those games.

Anyone drafted to Port has a good chance at getting a gig but Wines is all class and could play much of the season, making him a tasty prospect indeed.

Kevin Sheehan says: “Strong medium midfielder with a distinct hard edge that wins him contested ball, including at the stoppages. Has elite endurance and can push forward and hit the scoreboard. Ferocious tackler who is a good overhead mark and prolific ball winner. Averaged 24.2 disposals for Vic Country in thr NAB AFL Under-18 Championships this year, winning All-Australian honours. AIS-AFL Academy Graduate.”

Media -

http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=139314
http://www.footytragic.com/blog/planning-for-2013/planning-for-2013-oliver-wines/
http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/138715/pioneers-star-wines-earns-praise-from-coach/

YouTube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q9ps0d3urU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j5KXhssNEM&feature=youtube_gdata
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gzo25sXCt_o

[13Brummy]

Matt Wallis?

[Kellogscrunchynut]

Cheers for doing write ups on Grundy and Plowman  ;D.

[Mr.Craig]

Sam Mayes



Birthday - 20/5/94
187cm/78kg
North Adelaide
Price/Position - $152,200 Fwd/Mid

Drafted Round 1 Pick 8 Brisbane Lions

Sam is a wing/half forward player who was Under 18 All Australian in 2011 but after an indifferent carnival this year he missed out on selection. His marking, endurance and speed are trademarks of his game which has led to Port Adelaide develpment coach Daniel Healy making comparisons with Scott Pendlebury. Mayes has been named in the best for the Roosters in a couple of recent games, including a 4 goal effort against South Adelaide. His DT scores in the SANFL seniors for 2012 were 54, 64, 33, 59, 70, 9, 69, 73, 67, 73, 81, 60, 64 and 62 (Ave: 59.8). Now that he has landed at Brisbane, it will be very interesting to see how his game develops and if he can become a viable DT pick.

Kevin Sheehan says: "Medium forward who has good speed and elite agility and is a good set shot for goal. Reads the game well as a lead-up forward and starred for SA at AFL U18 level in 2011, winning All Australian honors. Played midfield roles also in U18s this year to continue his development which already sees him playing senior football for North Adelaide."

Media -

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/brisbane-lions-wont-have-to-wait-on-sam-mayes-with-mark-harvey-predicting-youngster-will-be-ready/story-e6freck3-1226528450337
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/151694/default.aspx
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/150111/default.aspx
http://www.afl.com.au/tabid/208/default.aspx?newsid=139146
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/146123/default.aspx
http://www.footballnation.com.au/latest-news/draft-prospect-in-focus-sam-mayes/

YouTube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d-eb-0DOEM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ip01y3l7es

[henry]

Thanks for all these writeups, they're great! Don't have any requests at the moment but will get back to you if I think of someone

[Mr.Craig]

Jonathan O'Rourke



Birthday - 21/4/94
183cm/75kg
Calder Cannons
Price/Position - $179,200 Mid

Drafted Round 1 Pick 2 GWS

A hamstring injury restricted O'Rourke in 2011 but since then he's been able to play some solid football. He is a hard running inside midfielder with quick hands and possesses excellent decision making skills. He averaged 18.5 disposals in the Under 18 Championships and was selected in the All Australian team. Jonathan's disposal efficiency during the carnival was up near the elite level at 77% which compares favourably to Brandon Ellis (76%) and Dom Tyson (79%) last year. In the TAC Cup he averaged 23 possessions a game with DT scores of 79, 106, 110, 63, 77, 89, 40, 84, 91, 52 and 71 (Ave: 78.3). I'm a bit unsure about his JS at GWS, despite his No.2 status. Wait and see.

Kevin Sheehan says: “Medium midfielder who is a prolific ball winner and smart user of the ball. Runs all day and makes good decisions with the football in heavy traffic. Has good game sense and an excellent mix of speed and endurance. Classy type who averaged 18.5 disposals at 77% efficiency for Vic Metro and was rewarded with All Australian honours following the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships. Another AIS-AFL Academy graduate."

Media -

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/149882/default.aspx
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/6301/newsid/143924/default.aspx
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/localfooty/calder-cannons-mass-producers/story-fn53klc6-1226470810133

YouTube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNgY2GTnit0

[Mr.Craig]

Thanks for all these writeups, they're great! Don't have any requests at the moment but will get back to you if I think of someone

Cheers. :)

[Mr.Craig]

Nathan Hrovat



Birthday - 7/6/94
174cm/76kg
Northern Knights
Price/Position - $107,200 Mid

Drafted Round 1 Pick 21 Bulldogs

Hrovat may be a bit of a chunky monkey but he is also a prolific ball winner and tackler, averaging 25.2 disposals in the Under 18 Champs and earning a place in the All Australian midfield. He played 8 games for the Knights in the TAC Cup during 2012 and was named in the best for all but one game with DT scores of 86, 108, 108, 66, 111, 104, 106 and 140 (Ave: 103.6). His scores would have been even better if he hadn't kicked a horrendous 2.15 in those games. His short term future at the Bulldogs is up in the air given they have also drafted Macrae and Hunter, along with already possessing youngsters Smith, Wallis and Liberatore. It's going to be a war for spots in that midfield this season.

Kevin Sheehan says: “Dynamic small midfielder who is a prolific ball winner and great user of the footy. Averaged 25.2 disposals (10 contested) and 4.4 clearances in winning Vic Metro’s Most Valuable Player and All-Australian honours this year.”

Media -

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/151993/default.aspx
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/150799/default.aspx
http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/150187/default.aspx
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/afl/localfooty/vic-metros-demolition-man/story-fn53klc6-1226427320520
http://www.footballnation.com.au/latest-news/draft-prospect-in-focus-nathan-hrovat/

YouTube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaUA_meMWAI