AFL draft 2015: Fremantle considers VFL products Mitch Brown, Nick Rippon, Andrew Gallucci

FREMANTLE is considering a host of star VFL prospects after conducting a private screening session at Melbourne’s Sports and Aquatics Centre.

Delisted Geelong footballer Mitch Brown is looking for a second chance at a new AFL club. He had troubles with a shoulder injury last year but that is all clear now, and he is physically fit and working hard. Picture: Chris Eastman

FREMANTLE is putting the microscope on the VFL’s best talent as it searches for the next Michael Barlow.

The Dockers are one of a number of clubs interested in former Geelong tall Mitch Brown, while 2015 JJ Liston Trophy winner Nick Rippon could also head west via the rookie or national draft.

Rippon is a prolific 176cm midfielder from the North Ballarat Roosters and one of a handful of VFL and TAC Cup players who underwent secret fitness testing at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre in October.

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Rippon, along with Sandringham defender Elliot Le Grice and Box Hill utility Tom Gordon also took part in the rigorous three-hour screening under the gaze of Fremantle’s recruiting staff.

The group completed a 200-question psychological test as well as physical testing.

After being overlooked in the 2013 and 2014 national drafts, Rippon’s development has followed a similar path to Barlow, who also hails from country Victoria, and could come into calculations when Fremantle’s pick No. 65 arrives.

He averaged 24 disposals for North Ballarat in the VFL this system and bolted home to claim the league best and fairest without polling a vote before Round 15.

“Nick’s kicking became more penetrating this year and he became a goal-kicker for us in the back half of the season,” Rooster coach Gerald Fitzgerald told Fox Footy.

“He is very coachable, has strong character and I’ve got no doubt he would thrive in a full time professional environment. He knows how to find the footy and he made good all-round progress this season.”

Brown, who was selection No. 15 in the 2008 national draft, starred for Sandringham in the VFL this season and the Dockers will consider using their third selection (pick No. 35) on the 25-year-old.

The Western Bulldogs, Sydney, St Kilda and Essendon are also interested in the reviving his 15-game career.

The Bombers have long been a likely destination for Brown after impressing the club during three NAB Challenge games in the 2015 pre-season.

“I am sure he will get drafted,” Sandringham coach Paul Hudson told Fox Footy.

“He didn’t put a foot wrong all year. He was strong in defence, very good on the wing and then dominant when we moved him forward.

“He’s the complete package.”

Essendon also has an interest in Williamstown speedster Andrew Gallucci and has conducted private testing with the forward in recent weeks.

The 21-year-old is a small forward in the mould of North Melbourne’s Robbie Nahas and looms as a likely rookie selection.

“Andrew is incredibly skilled,” Williamstown premiership coach Andy Collins told Fox Footy.

“He could make an immediate impact at AFL level if he is given the opportunity.”

Elsewhere, Casey Scorpions duo Jordan Moncrieff and Declan Keilty are training with Melbourne in the lead up to the rookie draft. Both are key position players and Keilty won Casey’s most improved player award this year.

Big bodied Werribee midfielder Matt Hanson and Box Hill key forward Chris Jones are also believed to have spoken to a number of AFL clubs. Jones won Box Hill’s development league best and fairest.

@tommorris32

Originally published as AFL draft 2015: Fremantle considers VFL products Mitch Brown, Nick Rippon, Andrew Gallucci