Angus Anderson picked for AFL Draft Combine after performance with Swans

As one of just five players picked from NSW, Angus Anderson has caught the eye of no less than four AFL clubs.

A Coffs Coast AFL star could be on the verge of the big time after he was picked for the AFL Draft Combine.

Sawtell-Toormina Saints player Angus Anderson has taken another huge stride forward in his AFL career by being picked for the combine which includes the top 90 players in the country.

Anderson is one of just five players from NSW/ACT to receive an invitation to the event which assesses each player’s strengths through a series of speed and agility tests.

His path to the combine was secured after he caught the eye of no less than four AFL clubs through outstanding performances for the Sydney Swans Under-19 matches as well as for the Swans Reserves team.

Angus Anderson trains with The Northern Heat squad at C.ex Stadium Coffs Harbour on Saturday November 14. Photo: Tim Jarrett

A total of 60 players will be picked for the national Combine which is scheduled for the end of September and is a chance for AFL clubs to assess players ahead of the draft at the end of November.

AFL North Coast competition manager Paul Taylor said it was a significant achievement especially when taking into account the number of players in his age group playing across the country. There are more than 1600 registered players in NSW alone aged 18 and 19.

“For Angus to be in the top 90 kids and to have been identified by four different teams means he is really starting to make his mark,” Mr Taylor said.

“There has only ever been one other player from the region drafted into the AFL and if Anderson was to reach that level he would be the first to do so having played his entire career on the North Coast.

AFL NSW/ACT Community Football Manager Paul Taylor says Angus Anderson’s achievements are significant for the next generation of footballers in the North Coast. Photo: Tim Jarrett

“Angus started out as a five year old in Auskick here, he has played right through the junior system and stepped up into his own senior club and still continues to be here in the region playing for Sawtell-Toormina Saints.”

“Angus is absolutely a North Coast kid who has learnt his trade living here in the region.

“The message this sends to every other kid playing AFL in the region, or thinking about playing AFL is that you can get those opportunities that lead to becoming an AFL footballer from the North Coast.

Anderson has also played with North Coast Force and was a member of the Northern Heat program for two years.

From the Heat program he we was identified by the Southport Sharks VFL team which saw him gain an opportunity to play with the Sydney Swans at both NAB League Under 19 and VFL levels.