AFL Draft: Queensland talent flex muscle in second round

After firing a blank on the first night of the AFL draft, three maroon-grown footballers found themselves on AFL lists in the space of 30 minutes in a memorable second round.

Noah Cumberland leads the pack at the AFL Draft Combine. Picture: Michael Klein

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Queenslanders came up empty on the first night of the AFL draft on Wednesday.

But in the second round, when it rained, it poured.

Three maroon-grown footballers found themselves on AFL lists in the space of 30 minutes – Morningside’s Keidean Coleman, Maroochydore’s Noah Cumberland and Aspley’s Will Martyn.

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Essendon picked Coleman at No.37 but Brisbane matched the Bombers’ bid to keep the 19-year-old utility at the Gabba after swapping picks with Sydney.

Noah Cumberland leads the pack at the AFL Draft Combine. Picture: Michael Klein

The lightning-quick and skilful Queenslander was overlooked at last year’s draft and played 18 games for the Lions’ premiership-winning NEAFL side, kicking 11 goals as a small forward while also having the ability to go into defence.

With the Suns snapping up Labrador’s Connor Budarick and Townsville’s Matt Conroy as pre-draft selections, Coleman was the first Queenslander to have his name read out at the 2019 draft.

Reigning premier Richmond then successfully raided Brisbane’s Academy stocks.

The Tigers selected forward Cumberland with pick No.43 and the Lions declined to match the bid, sending the blond-haired thumping kick to Punt Road after impressing for the Allies in the national under championships and playing in Brisbane’s NEAFL side.

Essendon-bound Keidean Coleman playing for Allies. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty

Cumberland stepped away from the game when he was 16-years-old but returned to the fold with spectacular results.

With the very next pick at No.44, Richmond grabbed midfielder Martyn after Brisbane again decided to pass.

AFL Academy boss for Queensland and NSW/ACT Mark Browning said the draft results were a credit to the perseverance of the players and the quality of footballers being produced by the Academy system.

“It’s fantastic for Queensland football,’’ Browning said.