AFL Draft: Will Snelling owns an excellent resume but is fighting for AFL chance
WILL Snelling’s CV is one few 18-year-olds can match but AFL clubs have concerns about his game. All he wants is a chance.
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WILL Snelling polarises opinion.
His football pedigree is among the best on offer at Tuesday night’s national draft.
The West Adelaide inside midfielder captained South Australia at this year’s Under-18 national championships, was one of four Croweaters picked in the All-Australian team, won SA’s MVP award and played in West Adelaide’s league premiership side.
It is a CV few 18-year-olds can match.
But AFL clubs have concerns about Snelling, including his size (174cm), his outside game and his kick.
That’s why instead of being a top-20 draft candidate Snelling is fighting just to find an AFL home, with some draft experts believing his best hope of fulfilling his dream is through the rookie draft.
“I know some clubs have some concerns about my game but I’m determined to prove them wrong,’’ said Snelling, who played 15 league games this year.
“There’s a couple of areas I know I need to improve but I’m prepared to work hard to do that.’’
Some of Snelling’s State teammates believe his all-round game, highlighted by his ability to win the ball in the clinches and distribute it well, his footy-smarts and leadership demand AFL selection.
“Clubs would be crazy to overlook him,’’ said SA and Norwood on-baller Luke Partington, who is tipped to be drafted in the 25-35 range.
Snelling has been interviewed by nine AFL clubs, including Port Adelaide which could swoop with a late draft pick, and describes his draft hopes as being “up in the air’’.
“It’s a daunting time waiting to see what happens because the clubs don’t give too much away,’’ he said.
“Being drafted is what all young players aspire to so it would be a dream come true if it happens and I can guarantee if I get an opportunity I’ll give it my best shot.’’
Snelling, who is studying to be a physiotherapist, models his game on hard-as-nails Melbourne captain Nathan Jones.
STICKS SAYS?
“Professionally he ticks all the boxes. Will does everything right and has a big appetite for workrate and the contest. He’s a tackling machine, he just loves it, and led the national under-18 championships in tackles. He’s just a really good inside mid.’’ - SANFL high performance manager Brenton Phillips.
WILL SNELLING
CLUB: West Adelaide
HEIGHT: 174cm
WEIGHT: 76kg
POSITION: inside midfielder
DRAFT RANGE: 50-Rookie.
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