AFL Draft 2015: Sam Weideman to undergo AFL-supervised testing, Essendon eyeing Clayton Oliver, Ryan Burton
MELBOURNE’S plans to draft a co-pilot for Jesse Hogan will become clearer on Wednesday with key forward Sam Weideman to undergo AFL-supervised fitness testing.
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MELBOURNE’S plans to draft a co-pilot for Jesse Hogan will become clearer on Wednesday with key forward Sam Weideman to undergo AFL-supervised fitness testing.
The Demons are closing in on the imposing goalkicker and grandson of Collingwood legend Murray Weideman, who has not played since a second bout of ankle surgery in May.
The Demons have used a clutch of recent prized picks on midfielders but have voiced their intentions to find Hogan a complementing forward and have already traded their first pick next year.
Melbourne believes landing a second key forward is critical to its hopes of tying Hogan to a long-term contract.
Taking Weideman would leave a suite of gun midfielders for Essendon, which holds picks four and five.
The Bombers have loved inside-outside midfield jet Darcy Parish all year and will also weigh up Charlie Curnow, Wayne Milera and, in what would be a draft shock, bolter Clayton Oliver.
It also emerged last night the Bombers have not ruled out using their Jake Carlisle pick — No. 5 — on South Australian Ryan Burton, who has not played in 16 months.
Clubs believe picks 3-5 hold the key to Tuesday’s national draft, with Carlton set to crown Jacob Weitering No. 1 and Brisbane Lions poised to draft spearhead Josh Schache at No.2.
Powerful inside midfielder Oliver was overlooked for Vic Country but rattled home to win the TAC Cup league medal and blitz draft combine after a pair of VFL games for Richmond.
The Ollie Wines-type is a bash-and-crash on-baller who kicks goals.
With a thick body, long kick and good speed he or Parish could become the centrepiece of the Dons’ next midfield.
Burton is a 191cm marking forward in the Jack Gunston mould but has said he wants to develop into a Nat Fyfe-like midfielder.
Burton was on track to be an early pick before suffering a horrific leg injury which mangled his left knee.
If Weideman can run close to level 13 in the beep test today clubs believe it would quell fears he has “red zone” endurance.
Weideman was in Eastern Ranges’ top-five runners as a 16-year-old before suffering an iron deficiency and ankle problems.
His sample of form small but strong and the Dons would also like Weideman to help Joe Daniher,
Essendon has a dearth of key forwards after Carlisle’s departure and Cale Hooker’s mooted return to defence.
Gold Coast has pick six but is not believed to be interested in Weideman.
It is believed the Tigers’ dream result is drafting Oliver at No. 12 but if the Dons baulk he is more likely to land at Melbourne (No. 7) or Carlton (8 or 11).
The Blues will target a tall forward with one of their four top-20 picks with underdeveloped 200cm goalkicker Harry McKay a chance at No.8.
List boss Stephen Silvagni was in Adelaide on Friday, believed to be meeting goalkicker Burton.
The Suns have long liked classy half-forward Milera, who had minor heart surgery this year.
They are hoping high-flyer Callum Ah Chee is available at their second pick, No. 16, where they would almost certainly snap up the West Australian.
But with four clubs holding multiple picks in the top 13 uncertainty continues to cloud the order in what is proving a tactical draft.
Collingwood is keen on booming left-footer Brayden Fiorini but enters the draft at No. 27.
Clubs with picks just ahead in the 20s including North Melbourne, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs could pounce.
West Perth key defender Marcus Adams, 22, could be the first mature-age prospect taken with interest from Fremantle and the Dogs.
Hawthorn — which has picks 15 and 18 — has shown interest in Bendigo utility Tom Cole and has been linked to AFL-ready key defender Kieran Collins.
Smokey Sam Murray is also a chance to find an AFL home. He played senior football for Wodonga Raiders this year after being cut from the Bushrangers’ pre-season and if overlooked he is expected to play TAC Cup next year.
Originally published as AFL Draft 2015: Sam Weideman to undergo AFL-supervised testing, Essendon eyeing Clayton Oliver, Ryan Burton
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