Mr.Craig's Rookie Spotlight

[Mr.Craig]

Callum Sinclair



Birthday - 23/9/89
200cm/95kg
Subiaco
Price/Position - $105,300 Fwd/Ruck

Drafted - Pick 12 Rookie Draft West Coast Eagles

Sinclair is a 23 year old who came over to W.A after being named in the 2010 VFL Team Of The Year as a forward. Despite slipping through several drafts he appears to be a likely type who kicked 26 goals in 16 games during 2012 and also had some surprisingly high possession games for a big guy. His best effort for the season came in Round 21 with a 28 disposal, 37 hitout domination. Callum's DT scores for the season were 97, 105, 110, 79, 51, 66, 108, 99, 60, 82, 51, 61, 135, 53, 78 and 28 (Ave: 78.9).

On the surface Sinclair seems like a much better prospect than Hannath who Fremantle chose ahead of him. He's got a similar JS situation though with Cox, NicNat and Lycett already on the books but with the departure of Lynch it does open things up a bit. With his DPP status and ability to step up straight away he could potentially be a handy downgrade option.

Vozzo says: That selection (Sinclair) had nothing to do with Nic Naitanui. We are fortunate we have got Nic, Dean (Cox) and Scott Lycett, who is in terrific condition and progressing really well through the pre-season, so we are very comfortable with where we sit. He is probably, at the moment, more developed as a forward and developing as a ruckman but I think in our system he can improve as a ruckman and contribute well in both areas."

Media -

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/a/-/eagles/15611121/eagles-deny-sinclair-just-cover-for-naitanui/

YouTube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqebsxHEm8k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wa-GyqzY7dg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvczsoCM2X0

[Mr.Craig]

DT stats have been added to the profiles of Jack Viney and Tim Sumner. :)

[Mr.Craig]

Nicholas Hayes



Birthday - 11/8/94
187cm/79kg
Woodville West Torrens
Price/Position - $117,300 Fwd

Drafted - Pick 6 Rookie Draft Brisbane

Hayes is a medium forward who Brisbane were very keen on, bringing him up to train with the club before taking him with their first selection in the rookie draft. He had an interrupted season and I'm not sure if that was due to injury or his commitments with Sacred Heart but he was able to string together some solid performances in the back end of the season. Nick isn't a huge ball winner but he's an excellent mark and was able to kick 19 goals in his 13 games for 2012. His DT scores were 59, 44, 94, 34, 105, 82, 122, 108, 86, 78, 74, 103 and 79 (Ave: 82.1).

Given that the Lions loaded up on forwards in the drafts such as Mayes, Paparone and Close it's hard to see Hayes getting a look in but if his form in the NEAFL is strong enough he might earn an elevation at some stage.

Kevin Sheehan says: Medium forward with exceptionally clean hands. Knows where to lead and also uses his body to maximum effect in order to out position his opponent. His set shot goal kicking is excellent converting at 70% accuracy this season. Played 13 Colts games in his first season at SANFL level, his best for the year was 20 possessions, 11 marks and 3 goals against Norwood in Round 16.

Eagles Talent Manager Shane Grimm says: Nick went to the state screening after coming to us this year from our country zone. He is a Sacred Heart College boy who is a tall forward and is one of the best contested marks we’ve had at our club in the under 18s in four or five years. He just doesn’t drop anything and is extremely smart and clever.

Lions Talent Manager Rob Kerr says: Nick is a very clever and courageous footballer who our South Australian scouts identified early in the year and showed great improvement when playing SANFL U18s. As a player, he’s a forward who should graduate into someone who can play through the midfield. We rated him so highly that we almost took him with our third round draft choice at the National Draft - so are delighted that we have managed to have our cake and eat it too.

Media -

http://www.lions.com.au/news/2012-12-18/early-days-for-hayes

YouTube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtvZL497cgw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMJDc-M5aUk

[Mr.Craig]

Jordon Bourke



Birthday - 11/11/94
193cm/83kg
Morningside
Price/Position - $89,399 Fwd

Drafted - Pick 56 Rookie Draft Brisbane

The son of former Geelong and Brisbane player Damien Bourke, Jordon was overlooked for a father/son selection by the Cats and instead had to wait until the third last pick of the rookie draft to be taken by Brisbane. He represented Queensland in the Under 18 Championships, playing all five games and recording scores of 33, 75, 89, 63 and 67 (Ave: 65.4). During 2012 Bourke played 2 games for Geelong's VFL side, with the then 17 year old not making much of an impact (44, 13). He returned to Morningside but seemed to struggle in the NEAFL, only kicking one goal in eight games.

Obviously the Lions believe Bourke has the potential to be something. He tested well at the Combine and is an AIS-AFL graduate but he has the same issue as Hayes, being on the rookie list and having a bunch of other recruits seemingly better placed to make a debut.

Kevin Sheehan says: Tall forward who is exceptionally strong overhead and a reliable shot for goal. Quick on the lead and reads the ball well in the air. Son of former Geelong Cats ruckman Damien Bourke and is eligible for them under the father/son rule or the Gold Coast Suns as a zone selection. Averaged 12.4 disposals and 4.2 marks for QLD in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships showing his overall potential. AIS-AFL Academy graduate.

Queensland Talent Manager Bob Batty says: Son of former Cat Damian, but Geelong has decided not to nominate him as a father son. He is a quick, athletic tall who takes a strong contested mark. At times he can spray them in front of goal but he has a big upside and in an AFL system could be a big improver.

Media -

http://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/young-lion-jordon-bourke-takes-a-massive-step-in-the-big-league/story-fnelctok-1226534774359
http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/east/jordon-looks-to-follow-in-the-footsteps-of-father-damian-in-the-afl/story-fn8odwh7-1226488946592
http://www.footballnation.com.au/afl/afl-clubs/geelong/draft-prospect-in-focus-jordan-bourke/

YouTube -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgmGjLHn-8k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdO7VNJUsMo

[Mr.Craig]

Cadeyn Williams



Birthday - 4/8/94
185cm/86kg
Murray Bushrangers
Price/Position - $89,300 Fwd

Drafted - Pick 40 Rookie Draft Richmond

Williams is a utility player who's been with for the Bushrangers' Under 18 side for the last four years. He suffered a shoulder injury in April which required a reconstruction and due to the lack of games he fell off the radar for most clubs. However, in the last couple of years he's shown the ability to play multiple roles and this was evident in his 7 goal, 19 disposal, 8 mark game vs the Geelong Falcons. His scores for 2012 were 70, 74, 119, 35 (Ave: 74.5). Cadeyn is faced with the challenge of sharing the Richmond rookie list with experienced players Ricky Pettard, Sam Lonergan and Orren Stephenson so he'll have an uphill battle to win an elevation.

Murray Bushrangers Assistant Regional Manager Peter Lemonjello says: A noted big game player Cadeyn is a natural leading forward with a deadly accurate kick that can go into the middle or play on the wing because he has a great defensive side to his game and lives for the 1 percenters like tackling, shepparding and smothering. Cadeyn will do almost anything to be successful and is natural leader around the club. Cadeyn was meticulous in his rehab and became one of the team runners as soon as passed fit to do so. Before that he volunteered his time in the stats room doing what he could around the club to help the team as best he could. I think Cadeyn if picked up by a club should be at full training by late February and due to his extraordinary tank will be pushing for VFL selection by May. He will be a shot to debut in the 4th quarter of the year probably around rounds 16-18 he such an immense talent.

Media -

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2012-12-11/rookie-draft-cadeyn-williams
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2012-12-13/cadeyn-set-to-get-stuck-in
http://www.mmg.com.au/local-news/cobram/cobram-s-cadeyn-williams-gets-call-to-richmond-tigers-1.37350

[Mr.Craig]

Draftee Watch

Port Adelaide

Tom Clurey suggested his body wasn't quite right when first interviewed after being drafted, but he's training with the main group and after Christmas will undertake full training. Mason Shaw was in a similar situation after sufferings some injuries last season. His load has been carefully managed, while gun recruit Ollie Wines has been able to handle the vast majority of training, as has Jake Neade.

North Melbourne

Taylor Garner, Taylor Hine, Mitchell Wilkins (all shoulders) and Ben Jacobs (ankle) underwent post-season surgery, but have resumed drill work and modified fitness programs. Mature-age recruit Daniel Currie's time at the Sydney Swans and North Adelaide has enabled him to quickly adjust to a full training load, while Mason Wood has coped well with a slightly modified program that has included contested work. Rookie Tim McGenniss has quickly made an impression with his impressive endurance running. International rookie and former basketballer Eric Wallace is quickly adapting to the skills of Australian football, but faces a significant challenge to build AFL-standard endurance.

Fremantle

Key position prospect Tanner Smith has slotted straight into the endurance running drills, positioning himself among the leading pack. Living with Chris Mayne while host family arrangements are made, he has joined full training alongside NAB AFL Draft selections Max Duffy and Josh Simpson. Free agent Danyle Pearce seemed to struggle in the heat during his early sessions but has settled in, while rookies Alex Howson and Matt Taberner made a seamless transition after a week training with the club before the Rookie Draft.

Gold Coast

The Suns' top two draftees, Jesse Lonergan and Tim Sumner, have been so impressive that club football operations manager Marcus Ashcroft believes they could make an immediate impact in 2013. "They both played senior footy in their respective state leagues and the way they've trained since they've joined us, we think they could play some senior footy in their first season," he said. The Suns' other newcomers, rookies Andrew Boston and Leigh Osborne, are also well settled, having trained with the club for a fortnight before the rookie draft.

Carlton

The Blues' three teenage draft picks â€" Troy Menzel, Tom Temay and Nick Graham â€" have been eased into training but each has impressed Brown. "They’re not as physically capable at the moment but they’re looking good, and come March-April they could be a chance like everyone else," he said. Of the highly-rated Menzel, who has had knee issues, Brown said: "He's a really exciting prospect and he's going really well, but given his history we certainly won’t be rushing him."

Melbourne

Jimmy Toumpas has been on a modified program after hip surgery in August but hopes to be in full training when the group resumes. He has impressed whenever on the track, with his ball use excellent. Jack Viney's workload has stepped up while mature-agers Dean Terlich and Matt Jones have joined in full training. Jones looks a hard-nut while Dominic Barry and Dean Kent will be given time to develop physically.

Essendon

Joe Daniher leads the group of Essendon draftees. But even though he has been training with the club for more than a year as a father-son prospect, Daniher is only able to be involved in 60-70 per cent of drills before being pulled out to manage his workload. Mature-aged Nick Kommer was training with the Bombers before the draft and is seen as a player who is ready to go next year, as is Dylan van Unen, a 22-year-old defender from Frankston. Jason Ashby, who was Essendon's second selection at the NAB AFL Draft, is settling in nicely as well.

Greater Western Sydney

Whitfield and the rest of the 2012 draft class have settled well into life with the Giants. They are all living at Breakfast Point and getting to know their new teammates and western Sydney itself. James Stewart, the son of former Collingwood player Craig Stewart and the 27th pick in the draft, is having a procedure on his back on Friday and will be in rehab following the Christmas break. But he is expected to be fit for round one of the AFL season.

Collingwood

This pre-season the Magpies had the chance to take its new draft picks on the high altitude camp, providing the players with a great opportunity to integrate into the group. Brodie Grundy was Collingwood's first selection and although it is likely the young ruckman will be given time to develop he has the talent to play senior football immediately. Jackson Ramsey has been rooming with fellow defender Nathan Brown as he settles in to Melbourne after moving from Perth, and learning about how Brown prepares to play. The Magpies never set limits on players, with seven players making their debut in 2012, so anything is possible from the new arrivals.

Hawthorn

Long-term key position prospects Tim O'Brien and Kaiden Brand have both settled in well, but are on light programs as the club learns about the limits of their bodies. Irish rookie Ciaran Kilkenny has impressed with his strong work ethic and aerobic capacity. He is also working hard on his kicking, having crossed from the Gaelic round ball code.  "He's got a fanatical approach to improving his skills," Russell said. "He's been working every day on his kicking, so he's going to give it every chance to be successful."

Richmond

Since arriving at the club across November and December, draftees Kamdyn McIntosh and Matthew McDonough have moved in with rookie Cadeyn Williams and international rookie Gideon Simon in the club's share house. The two draftees, along with Nick Vlastuin and Liam McBean, are all training and none arrived with injuries. From the four rookies who were taken in December, Ricky Petterd (achilles) and Sam Lonergan (ankle) are still coming back from operations and are scheduled to be in full training in the New Year.

Geelong

Young Tasmanian Jackson Thurlow, the Cats' first selection in the recent NAB AFL Draft, has had a slow start to his first pre-season at the club. He has been recovering from the broken thumb and fractured cheekbone he suffered while playing for Launceston in the Tasmanian State League finals. But Thurlow travelled to Falls Creek for the pre-season camp, as did fellow draftee Brad Hartman, who copped some friendly banter from his teammates after crashing into some shrubs during a mountain bike ride.

More to come.

[Mr.Craig]

Draftee Watch

St Kilda

Medium defenders Nathan Wright and Brodie Murdoch and midfielder Josh Saunders have all leapt straight into training. All have picked up the game-plan quickly and, with their mature bodies, Kingsley expects them to challenge for senior selection in 2013. Tall forward Spencer White arrived at the Saints in recovery from a broken wrist, and is yet to take part in full skills work. Lewis Pierce, a ruck prospect, is also on a modified program as his underdeveloped body is eased into the full-time workload.

[Mr.Craig]

Draftee Watch

West Coast

The Eagles have closely monitored the workloads of draftees Adam Carter and Mark Hutchings, but both have completed most sessions and impressed with their competitiveness. Brant Colledge had a minor hip operation shortly after arriving at West Coast and is hoping to resume training in late January. Former Collingwood midfielder Sharrod Wellingham has impressed with his professionalism in his early days as an Eagle, while ex-Melbourne utility Cale Morton has recovered well from shoulder surgery in August and resumed full training.

Sydney

First-round draft pick Dean Towers has shown good pace and excellent disposal skills in the club's pre-season drills. Rookie-listed utility Dean Rampe has also been a stand out in his first few weeks at the club. But the pleasant surprise so far might just be young ruckman Sam Naismith. Another member of the rookie list, Naismith stands well over 200cm, but has impressed already with his speed and agility for his size. He is also getting the perfect grounding, training alongside Shane Mumford, Kurt Tippett and Mike Pyke.

[Mr.Craig]

Draftee Watch

Western Bulldogs

The Dogs are delighted with the way their draftees have approached the pre-season, and have gradually increased the workload on their developing bodies. Midfielder Nathan Hrovat revealed the biggest hurdle he'd encountered was sticking to a modified program. "I guess it was a bit frustrating at the start to be hindered a bit in what we did." he said. "Now being able to have the luxury of doing a bit more and probably mingling with the boys a bit more and earning the respect off them has been really good."

[theta]

Great updates Craigy.

+1

[Mr.Craig]

I was just doing some general research and apparently this year clubs won't have the option of pre Round 1 nominated rookies. So it seems like the only option for elevating rookies will be from LTI's or during the period post Round 11. Depending on the LTI situation at various clubs this could put a dent in the likelihood of players such as Brett Goodes and Kane Mitchell being available Round 1.

I contacted the AFL to confirm the 2013 elevation rules but unfortunately the people involved are still on holiday so they'll hopefully get back to me next week.

I also took the opportunity to ask if the old news articles that became inaccessible during the site renovation would be made available again and I was told they were working on a solution.

[Mr.Craig]

Whitfield Aiming For Round 1

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-01-07/no1-eyes-round-one

[kilbluff1985]

hey mate could you do L Pierce at the Saints for me please

picked him up with my last pick in BXV did not even know he is a ruckmen lol

[kilbluff1985]

oh and Hal Hunter please i got him to lol

[Mr.Craig]

hey mate could you do L Pierce at the Saints for me please

picked him up with my last pick in BXV did not even know he is a ruckmen lol

I'll do something on him tonight or tomorrow.

oh and Hal Hunter please i got him to lol

He isn't a rookie but I could do a separate player profile for you.