AFL Draft 2014: Peter Bampton hopeful recruiters have long memories

PETER Bampton’s shoulder injury hampered his 2014 campaign. But hopes AFL scouts will remember his 2013 season on National Draft day.

12/11/14. Norwood Footballer Peter Bampton - 18yrs (Lobethal) is considered a strong chance to be drafted into the AFL. Peter at the Norwood Football Club. Pic Keryn Stevens

PETER Bampton admits feeling pretty low as MRI scans revealed more bad news in August.

“It was definitely pretty tough,’’ he says.

“It’s just been a terrible year with injuries for me but it’s also been a great learning curve about how to go about the rehabilitation side of things and dealing with setbacks.”

The 18-year-old Redleg had gone up for a mark at training on the eve of SANFL finals and landed heavily on his shoulder.

“Straight away it didn’t feel good, it felt numb.” he says.

Scans revealed extensive ligament damage and the tough Lobethal teenager has since undergone a full shoulder reconstruction.

Peter Bampton is well on the way to recovering from his shoulder operation. Picture: Keryn Stevens

It continued a wretched year with injury for Bampton who just 12 months ago was rated as one of the best AFL prospects in his age group after bursting on the SANFL scene as a big-bodied 17-year-old midfielder.

Earlier in the season, Bampton missed the entire national under-18 carnival after hurting ligaments in his ankle.

Bampton, who is well on the way to recovering from his shoulder operation, hopes AFL scouts will remember his 2013 season on National Draft day but admits he is unsure whether he will be taken.

“I’ve definitely got a ‘wait and see’ attitude.’’ he says.

“After the year I’ve had, I’ve got no idea what will happen on draft night (November 27.

“What will be will be.”

Peter Bampton has played with Norwood during recent seasons. Picture: Keryn Stevens

One man who believes AFL clubs should select Bampton is Norwood coach Ben Warren, who says the teenager’s inside contested ball winning ability is elite.

“He’s also the hardest working guy on the track and he has a terrific attitude,’’ Warren says.

Bampton grew up on a farm in Lobethal and credits his country up bringing for his tough body and playing style.

“I was always outside as a kids,’’ he says.

“Growing up in the hills was great.”

If his name is not called next week Bampton will continue to chase the AFL dream but will be satisfied as long as he is playing the best level he can.

“Whether that is league football for Norwood, or whether it’s playing for Lobethal, I want to be playing the highest level football I can.”