Carlton and Brisbane set to swoop on Sturt’s McAdam who is considered a 30-50 range national draft pick
STURT livewire Shane McAdam is set to be among the first mature-age players snapped up by either Carlton or Gold Coast before the draft in a move that could see the Crows agree to a trade for Mitch McGovern.
- Burgess ‘one of best stories in my time in footy’: Mickan
- McAdam wins draft combine invite
- Blues, Suns denied priority pick
- Grigg wins Jack Oatey in losing grand final
STURT livewire Shane McAdam is set to be among the first mature-age players snapped up by either Carlton or Gold Coast before the draft in a move that could see the Crows agree to a trade for Mitch McGovern.
McAdam is considered by recruiters to be among the top five state league players in the country alongside West Adelaide’s Chris Burgess, Norwood’s Mitch Grigg, Western Australian Marlion Pickett and Victorian forward Josh Corbett.
The AFL Commission has reportedly rejected Carlton and Gold Coast’s bid for a priority pick but will grant a concession allowing them to sign two state league players before the draft and without giving up a pick.
The players they select may be traded to another club which has angered some rivals who believe time and money spent scouting mature age state league players this year has been wasted particularly under their football department soft cap.
It’s understood the Crows are keen on Burgess, a 22-year-old forward who can also play in defence, and who has enjoyed a rapid rise from suburban footy to the SANFL with Westies this year.
If Carlton signs Burgess he could form part of a deal along with draft picks to ensure McGovern gets his wish in leaving the Crows to join the Blues for next season.
But McAdam is considered the hottest property in the SANFL this year and a 30-50 selection in the national draft — much like Willie Rioli who was drafted to West Coast from Glenelg at Pick No. 52 in 2016 and is set to play in this Saturday’s AFL grand final.
Sturt football manager Chris Trapp said there had been significant AFL interest in McAdam all season and the club expected he would join Carlton or Gold Coast in coming weeks.
“There’s been a lot of interest in him after the first few games when he showed what he can do,” Trapp said.
“Coming from the WAFL he was under-18 draft eligible with Claremont and we heard about him playing with Scotch Old Collegians last season so kept tabs on him.
“Then we invited him to pre-season, he did everything and ticked all the boxes and pretty soon everyone started taking notice.
“No doubt he’s got AFL qualities, his athleticism and aerial marking, his speed and tackling pressure is elite.”
Meanwhile, Norwood midfielder Grigg, 25, is coming off back-to-back Magarey Medals and a Jack Oatey Medal performance in Sunday’s SANFL grand final making him an attractive option for teams wanting to boost their midfield with hardness and goal kicking class.
Grigg played 20 AFL games with Adelaide from 2013-15 before being delisted and said he would welcome another opportunity to play at the highest level.
reece.homfray@news.com.au
