Tasmanian Jackson Thurlow was drafted by Geelong. Picture: Andrew Brownbill Source: Herald Sun
GEELONG has added depth to both ends of the ground, taking two versatile interstaters in tonight's national draft.
In a draft with a lot of midfield talent, the Cats took defender Jackson Thurlow with its first pick at No.16 and forward Bradley Hartman at 77.
Thurlow, 190cm from Tasmania, was named in the under-18 All-Australian team after averaging 24.6 disposals and 6.6 marks in the national championships mid-year.
Geelong recruiting manager Stephen Wells said Thurlow is able to read the play well, as well as providing run out of the backline.
"Jackson was an All-Australian under-18 this year, he played with Tasmania, he also played with Launceston in the seniors," Wells said.
"(He's a) prolific ball-winner, plays all over the ground, he's a good mark, he's a good size, he can really run well. He'll be a versatile player for us."
"He's not a key position but he's a good running tall and uses the ball well and makes good decisions."
Thurlow suffered multiple facial fractures and a broken thumb after he was rammed into a concrete bike track while playing for Launceston in the Tasmania State League semi final this year, but Wells said he had recovered fine from those injuries.
Draft Tracker: See our verdict on the Cats' picks and have your say
With their second pick, the Cats drafted 188cm forward Bradley Hartman from Sturt.
Hartman kicked 50.52 from his 18 games this season to finish second on the SANFL under-18 goalkicking leaderboard.
"Brad's a young fella who had a good year with Sturt, played a few reserves games but mainly in the under-18s," Wells said.
"Played mainly as a forward and in the midfield, a very good mark for his size."
The 18-year-old was also tried in defence during the year, but Wells said he was likely to be used more at the other end of the ground for the Cats.
Pic gallery: 2012 AFL national draft
"He's had a little bit of a taste of it there but he's done his best work as a forward and a midfielder," Wells said.
"He'll get opportunities to play all over the ground. These guys, you try and teach them everything and he's a versatile player. They're both versatile players."
The Cats' third and final pick was used to promote rookie-listed player Jesse Stringer.
The 21-year-old played eight senior games in 2012 before having his season ended mid-year because of a club suspension for an off-field indiscretion."
Jesse had a good year, played some terrific senior football and we would hope that Jesse can take the next step now with a good strong pre-season and a promotion to the senior list," Wells said.
"Jesse's decision-making and clever ball use is outstanding and not out of place at AFL level."
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Cats opt for versatility
Dengan url
http://beritahangatsekali.blogspot.com/2012/11/cats-opt-for-versatility.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Cats opt for versatility
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar