The full list of players invited to test at the AFL and AFLW Draft Combines has been revealed
The AFL has revealed which young guns will take part in the Draft Combines, which will be state-based because of COVID-19. See the full list AFL and AFLW Draft prospects who will test in each state.
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The AFL has revealed the young guns that will test at the Draft Combines.
Because of the COVID-19 situation in Victoria - which has resulted in recruiters not able to see any prospects play in 2020 - the Combines will be state based ahead of one of the most intriguing drafts in history.
The Combines will kick off this month with Tasmania in the week beginning September 21 while the Victorian edition is still to be confirmed as the AFL keeps an eye on State Government restrictions.
Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy prospect Jamarra Ugle-Hagan of the Oakleigh Chargers is widely considered as the best prospect in this year’s Draft crop and has been likened to Lance Franklin.
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Murray Bushrangers’ Elijah Hollands is also highly rated as is West Adelaide’s Riley Thilthorpe.
Included in the AFL’s Draft Combine nominees is Oakleigh’s Maurice Rioli Jr, the son of the late Richmond and South Fremantle champion Maurice Rioli Sr, and cousin of current Tiger Daniel Rioli.
After starring for AFLNT club St Mary’s over summer Maurice Jr has been labelled as the potential best of the Rioli’s and could be selected by Richmond as a father-son pick and Essendon via the NGA.
Fremantle can also take him as a father-son choice.
AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan said all the data from the prospects would be available to clubs at the conclusion of each state-based Combine.
“The 2020 version of the NAB Draft Combine will look a little different, but it will provide all AFLW and AFL clubs a chance to assess players on their fitness, skills and agility. Clubs are able to conduct one-on-one interviews with all players at the Draft Combine either in person or digitally,” he said.
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On top of the state-based Combines the AFL will also run “All-Star” matches within states and territories to make up for the lack of an Under-18 National Championship.
Matches will occur in each state and territory and will comprise of local talent competing in teams selected by respective state coaches to ensure girls and boys are provided with the best opportunity to showcase their skills and continue their football journey to the elite competition.
The AFL has also released the names of the 82 female players invited to the AFLW Draft Combines.
The list includes two father-daughter eligible players: Alice Burke, daughter of St Kilda champion, and Bulldogs AFLW coach, Nathan Burke, and Tarni Brown, daughter of Collingwood premiership player Gavin Brown.
North Adelaide’s Ashleigh Woodland, who was previously on Melbourne’s AFLW list, and Georgia Nanscawen, previously listed with North Melbourne, headline the list of former AFLW listed-players looking for a second opportunity.
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The list of state combine invites comes as the AFL continues to work through how its revamped Talent Pathway Program will look in 2021.
While recent reports suggested the NAB League season could be slashed to as few as eight games next year, the Herald Sun understands the AFL remains hopeful of retaining 2021 campaigns where the number of games played by boys and girls will be “consistent with prior years”.
Recruiters had expressed concern over plans to significantly cut back the NAB League competition, fearing private school footballers would be further advantaged over public school counterparts.
The AFL has committed to ensuring all future draftees be provided with the same level of medical, physical and off-field care as they received in previous years regardless of changes that are made.
The league has already confirmed NAB League coaches will be full-time positions for the first time in 2021 and will work across both the girls and boys programs to ensure the same opportunities for both genders.
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