Adam Tipungwuti and Kyle Dunkley lead list of mid-season draft father-sons, brothers and cousins

You know their names — but not necessarily their faces. The mid-season draft has thrown up a host of sons, brothers and cousins who are itching to get their shot at the big time. But will the likes of Tipungwuti, Dunkley, Roos and more get drafted?

Adam Tipungwuti has been turning heads. Picture: Keri Megelus

You know their names — but not necessarily their faces.

This year’s mid-season draft has thrown up a host of sons, brothers and cousins who are itching to get their shot at the big time.

And when it comes to recognisable names, there’s not too many more eye catching than Tipungwuti.

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The cousin of Essendon livewire Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Northern Territory Thunder excitement machine Adam Tipungwuti is hot on the radar of clubs searching for an extra pinch of x-factor.

Tipungwuti is one of the most unique stories in the mid-season draft, with the small forward clocking up plenty of frequent flyer miles in the NEAFL.

The 22-year-old is essentially left to his own devices during the week, as he is based on the Tiwi Islands.

While the Thunder train together, Tipungwuti hones his skills with one other teammate, who is also based on the Island, before diving into his own running and weight sessions.

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Tipungwuti’s unwavering commitment to his unique training circumstances is exactly why he would thrive at the next level, according to NT Thunder coach Darren Reeves.

Reeves has seen firsthand just how deep the “electric” forward’s trick bag is and the impact his presence has on opposition defenders.

“His pressure is outstanding, he’s got electric leg speed and … guys panic when he is in the area,” Reeves said.

“He is just so clever and he can do pretty much anything. He is also desperately keen to have an opportunity at it (the next level).

Adam Tipungwuti is on the radar for the upcoming mid-season draft. Picture: Keri Megelus

“I’ve got no doubt, to get him into a system somewhere, he’s got so many tricks up his sleeve, in a full-time environment he would be an exciting player.”

In testing at last year’s “Rookie Me” combine, which was aimed at mature age draft hopefuls, Tipungwuti finished in the top five for the agility test and the vertical jump test.

He has already caught the attention of clubs ahead of this month’s mid-season draft, and was one of 22 players to be selected to undergo medical testing in the lead up to draft night on May 27.

Also on that list was Kyle Dunkley, the brother of Western Bulldogs premiership player Josh.

Overlooked after injury interrupted his top age draft year, Dunkley returned to the Gippsland Power as an over-age player and has latched onto his second chance.

He has split his time between the NAB League outfit and Footscray VFL where he produced a near best on ground performance against a Box Hill side sporting Jarryd Roughead.

Power region manager Peter Francis sees plenty of similarities between Kyle and Josh.

“He’s that good, hard inside mid,” Francis said of the younger Dunkley.

Kyle Dunkley has been ultra-impressive this year. Picture: Getty Images

“Similarly to Josh, he can win a fair bit of ball on the outside as well. He is really strong overhead, he hits the scoreboard.

“Josh in his 19th year, he played in a premiership with the Bulldogs. There is no reason why Kyle can’t walk straight into AFL football and make an impact.”

OTHER FAMILIAR FAMILY NAMES TO WATCH IN THE MID-SEASON DRAFT:

AARON HEPPELL ESSENDON VFL

It is a Heppell family leadership double at the Bombers, with Dyson’s brother Aaron taking charge of the VFL side for the first time this season. Across his last 25 VFL matches, the half back has been named in Essendon’s best players 15 times.

HARRY MARSH SUBIACO

Delisted by the Swans after 25 games at the end of last season, Marsh was in the mix for the 2018 national and rookie drafts before being overlooked. This family knows a thing or two about getting back in the system, with younger brother and former Magpie Jonathon snapped up by St Kilda after two years in the WAFL.

JACOB ATLEY ESSENDON VFL

The younger brother of Shaun (North Melbourne) and Joe (Port Adelaide), Jacob was snapped up by Essendon’s VFL side after last year’s rookie draft. A versatile midfielder-defender, Atley has also been playing as an over-age player for the Bendigo Pioneers. At 191cms, he is at interesting prospect.

OSKAR MANTON WILLIAMSTOWN CYMS

The son of former Blue and Bomber Glenn Manton, Oskar was a member of the Western Jets NAB League squad last year. After being overlooked in the draft, Manton has been playing with VAFA club Williamstown CYMS.

JAYLON THORPE WILLIAMSTOWN

A dasher from Williamstown and the son of Alan Thorpe, Jaylon has done plenty right as he eyes a crack at the next level. The 24-year-old has played as a half back this year and would be a low risk, high upside selection.

Jaylon Thorpe continues to impress at Williamstown. Picture: Getty Images

JOSH GUTHRIE COBURG

Looking to become the third member of the Guthrie clan to hit the big time, Josh made the move from Geelong VFL to Coburg in the off-season.

JACKSON MERRETT PEEL THUNDER

The brother of Essendon star Zach, Jackson made the move to WAFL club Peel Thunder after he was delisted by the Bombers at the end of last season. He is averaging 18.6 disposals and a goal a game across the opening five weeks of the season.

TYLER ROOS SOUTHPORT

The son of AFL great Paul Roos, Tyler helped deliver Southport the NEAFL flag in 2018 and has stuck with the club despite relocating to Melbourne this year. He has made the move from the midfield to half back in the past 12 months.

Originally published as Adam Tipungwuti and Kyle Dunkley lead list of mid-season draft father-sons, brothers and cousins