Rugby union convert Harry Kyle shaping as a first-round AFL draft bolter despite only 60 games of footy
Harry Kyle has only played some 60 games of Aussie rules in his lift after crossing from rugby union, but recruiters might have seen enough to take a punt in the first round. Here’s why.
A rugby union convert who has only played about 60 games of football is shaping as a first-round pick in the AFL’s national draft on Wednesday night.
Harry Kyle, who is a member of the Sydney Swans Academy, has excited clubs with his athletic traits since choosing to focus on an Australian football career at the end of last year.
A half-back or wingman who played all four games of the under-18 national championships with the Allies, Kyle went on to shine at the national draft combine last month.
He finished first in the running vertical jump, equal-eighth in the standing vertical jump and 10th in the agility test.
“Growing up, I’ve always played rugby,” Kyle said.
“(I’m at a) rugby school in Sydney. So I’ve pretty much just been playing rugby all the way through my prep school. Over the last few years I started to take (football) a bit more seriously. I played my first full season of (footy) this year, so it’s pretty exciting.
“My biggest strengths in (footy) have come from playing rugby union, drawing the play and all that sort of stuff. It’s helped me a lot.”
Kyle is expected to attract a bid inside the top-30 in this year’s draft but said he was “in the dark” around whether or not the Swans would match it.
The 18-year-old was in Melbourne on Saturday to train alongside some other highly-touted draft prospects as a member of the CDG Sports management stable.
Gold Coast Suns Academy member Beau Addinsall – a classy ball-winning midfielder – is similarly no certainty to join the club he is aligned to, depending on where a bid comes.
The Suns have five Academy members available to them this year in Addinsall, Zeke Uwland, Dylan Patterson, Jai Murray and Koby Coulson.
“We’ve had talks during the year,” Addinsall said of his contact with the Suns.
“Obviously there’s plenty of talented boys in (the Academy) this year, so it will be a struggle to get all five of us.
“I’m ready for anything. I’d be excited to move, I’d be excited to stay. Whatever happens, happens.”
Carlton Next Generation Academy member Jack Ison looks likely to find a home at the Blues, despite acknowledging that “nothing set in stone”.
“I’ve just been super grateful for Carlton,” Ison said.
“They’ve been awesome for my development and they’ve supported me through a lot of years. So it would be a dream come true playing for them.”
Other highly-rated prospects managed by CDG Sports include Cooper Duff-Tytler, Xavier Taylor, Lachy Dovaston, Archie Ludowyke and Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves.
A number of recruiters watched the session, with senior coaches Adem Yze (Richmond) and Steven King (Melbourne) also present.
The first round of the national draft will be held on Wednesday night, with the second and subsequent rounds scheduled for Thursday night.
Originally published as Rugby union convert Harry Kyle shaping as a first-round AFL draft bolter despite only 60 games of footy
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