Six Northern Knights in the mix for selection at AFL National Draft

SIX Northern Knights graduates are in the frame to be snapped up at next week’s AFL drafts after they produced impressive TAC Cup campaigns.

Northern Knights midfielder Jade Gresham, who is likely to be a top-30 pick in this year's AFL National Draft.

SIX Northern Knights graduates are in the frame to be snapped up at next week’s AFL drafts after they produced impressive TAC Cup campaigns.

Jade Gresham, Brayden Fiorini, Darcy MacPherson and Tyrone Leonardis have attracted strong interest from AFL recruiters while Matthew Perry and James El Moussalli are also on the radar.

Northern Knights talent manager Peter Kennedy said it was an exciting time for all involved, with lifelong dreams potentially about to be realised.

“Out of that six, we’re hoping they can all get a home,” he said. “But I don’t want to make any predictions because each draft is different and there is a lot of uncertainty about which way clubs go.”

Gresham has been a standout all year and shapes as the Knights’ best hope heading into next Tuesday’s national draft.

The 18-year-old has done it all in 2015, captaining the Knights and taking out the club’s best and fairest.

He also played for Vic Metro at the AFL Under-18 National Championships and won the TAC Cup Coaches’ Award while finishing second in the competition’s Morrish Medal. Gresham’s only knock is something out of his control — his height.

At 177cm, he is one of the smaller players in this year’s draft pool.

“Some people have written that maybe if he was another 10cm taller it might have a different effect on where he goes,” Kennedy said. “But I think he’s done enough.

“No matter about his size, I think he’s played well enough and he’s got enough attributes that any AFL club would take him.

“I’m sure he’s under consideration as a first-round pick but at this stage we think he’s more in the 19-30 category.”

Midfielder Fiorini has been the bolter, catching the eye of recruiters in the back half of the season.

He collected 41 and 42 disposals and kicked two goals in each of the Knights’ final two matches of 2015, and showed an ability in the second half of the year to win both inside and outside ball.

“There’s been some strong interest from a number of clubs, but where Brayden fits in the draft, it could be second round, it could be third round,” Kennedy said.

“With his run home at the end of the season where he collected over 40 possessions in his last two games, his football has done the talking.”

Gutsy midfielder Darcy MacPherson also had a strong second half-year after returning to the field from pre-season shoulder surgery but was passed over by the Western Bulldogs as a father-son selection.

Rebounding defender Leonardis took his game to another level this season and is rated a chance to be a late selection in the draft, as are Perry and El Moussalli who both attended the State Draft Combine.

The rookie and pre-season drafts are due to be held next Friday.

THE CONTENDERS

■Jade Gresham

CLASSY midfielder who can also kick goals. Shone in testing at the AFL Draft Combine after dominating on the field throughout the year. Had 25 or more disposals in 10 of his 14 TAC Cup matches this season.

■Brayden Fiorini

STARTED the year as a running outside midfielder on a wing but showed his ability to also win the ball inside in the second half of the season. Good size at 186cm. Averaged more disposals than any other player in the TAC Cup this year at almost 32 a game.

■Darcy MacPherson

TOUGH midfielder who knows how to win the ball, brings leadership and has great endurance. Was named in the Knights’ best in six of his eight matches for the year after returning from shoulder surgery in June.

Northern Knights midfielder Darcy MacPherson. Photo: Dennis Manktelow

■Tyrone Leonardis

A REBOUNDING defender who can break the lines and uses the ball well by foot. Averaged 17 disposals, four marks and four tackles in the TAC Cup this year. Has plenty of upside.

■Matthew Perry

HARD-AT-IT midfielder who averaged 21 disposals in three matches for Vic Metro. Played eight games with the Knights while also captaining school side Marcellin College to a premiership.

■James El Moussalli

A SKILFUL midfielder who injured his shoulder in Round 7, requiring surgery. Did not play again, but impressed across the opening rounds of

the TAC Cup season.

Originally published as Six Northern Knights in the mix for selection at AFL National Draft