AFL rookie draft: Shaun McKernan joins Essendon with ‘fire in the belly’
ESSENDON’S search for a key forward who can provide ruck relief ended when the Bombers used their sole live rookie selection on Shaun McKernan.
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ESSENDON’S search for a key forward who can provide ruck relief ended when the Bombers used their sole live rookie selection on Shaun McKernan.
The 198cm delisted Crow had been training with St Kilda but James Hird’s side pounced at pick 12.
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And Port Adelaide handed Nathan Krakouer, 26, a rookie lifeline four years after he walked out to join Gold Coast.
The livewire played 53 AFL games from 2007-11 and enjoyed an impressive season for Port’s SANFL side, kicking three goals in the Magpies’ grand final loss.
West Coast snapped up delisted Carlton midfielder Kane Lucas, Geelong took axed North Melbourne defender Cam Delaney and in the sole pre-season draft selection the Blues secured Jason Tutt, who quit the Western Bulldogs.
Richmond jagged Ivan Soldo, the 204cm cousin of star ruckman Ivan Maric, with the last of five rookie selections.
The Tigers also took 2013 VFL Rising Star Kane Lambert, delighted with his four-goal and 32-disposal performance in a final for Williamstown this year.
McKernan, 24, said some motivational words from older brother Corey had him primed to make the most of his second chance after 34 games with Adelaide.
“He just said to me now you’ve got make sure if this is your second chance you don’t want to get in this position again,” McKernan said.
“Just make sure you leave nothing unturned and give it everything you’ve got.”
Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy believes McKernan has the natural talent to become a top-liner.
Bombers list manager Adrian Dodoro said: “Being delisted by the Crows has put a bit of fire in his belly and there’s an opportunity for him”.
“He impressed us with his desire to be part of our team and it was a no-brainer in the end, without a lot of depth in the mature talls.”
The Bombers traded in GWS ruckman Jon Giles last month after losing Paddy Ryder to Port Adelaide.
Sydney used its second selection on Frankston’s Nic Newman with some experts believing the left-footer and smart distributer could help replace departed free agent Nick Malceski (Gold Coast).
The Suns snared speed machine Adam Saad from Coburg and 26-year-old Tyrone Downie after one season at Bendigo.
Coburg coach Peter German has compared Saad’s acceleration to North Melbourne ace Daniel Wells, who he coached as a teenager at Peel Thunder.
Originally published as AFL rookie draft: Shaun McKernan joins Essendon with ‘fire in the belly’
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