My Two Cents: Alex Dodson’s huge football versus basketball decision to shape AFL draft | Andrew Capel

He is SA sports’ next big thing – rated the best ruckman in this year’s AFL draft pool and an NBL prospect – leaving Alex Dodson with a big decision to make, writes Andrew Capel.

A decision that will shape the top end of this year’s AFL national draft will be made in the next few weeks.

Giant Sturt teenager Alex Dodson – a draft bolter who is now regarded as the top ruck prospect in this year’s pool – will make his “really tough’’ football versus basketball call when the Double Blues’ SANFL under-18s campaign ends.

As AFL clubs, including ruck-needy Adelaide, sweat on his decision, Dodson told The Advertiser he is still agonisingly weighing up whether to take the next big step – one which will shape his future and the draft order – with his footy or basketball.

In a perfect world, the 203cm dual sports star would choose both.

But he knows that’s not possible if he is going to make it at the top level.

“It’s a really tough one for me because basketball has been my main focus over the past two or three years but I came back to footy for a run around this year and have really enjoyed it and rediscovered my love for the game,’’ said Dodson, who did not play football last year as he focused on basketball, which led to him representing Australia at under-18 level.

Alex Dodson gets the jump on his opponent during this year’s AFL under-18 championships. Picture: Cory Sutton

Alex Dodson on the basketball court for South Australia’s under-18s team. Picture: Taylor Earnshaw Photography

“Everyone keeps asking me which sport I love the most but it’s hard to give an answer because I love them both, they’ve been great to me and I’ve had a strong desire to keep getting better at both sports.

“So it’s going to be really hard to let one of them go, but you have to make that decision for your future.’’

Dodson, 18, knows the clock is ticking.

He has been invited to this year’s AFL Draft Combine from October 4-6 and is in such hot demand that clubs want to know his plans as they formulate their draft strategies.

Dodson, who described his combine invite as “awesome’’, said about half of the 18 AFL clubs had already interviewed him.

“I haven’t got an official timeline on when I’ll make a decision but obviously, with the combine and draft coming up, it will have to be pretty soon,’’ he said.

“The clubs want some clarification as to whether I’m going to enter the draft or not, so I’ll probably finish off my year with Sturt and then make a call.’’

Both sporting codes are eagerly awaiting his decision.

Dodson’s stunning football comeback with Sturt’s under-18s after missing a year – he made the state under-16 team before taking a break from the game – has earned rave reviews and had AFL clubs gushing about his athleticism and upside.

He is considered a late first-round or early second-round draft selection.

Despite a late start to the season because of international basketball commitments, Dodson was added to the South Australian under-18 program and starred at the AFL under-18 championships.

He was one of only three Croweaters to make the all-Australian team, along with SA captain and top-five draft hope Sid Draper and Carlton father-son prospect Ben Camporeale.

The smooth-moving Dodson was named as lead ruckman in the all-star side and AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan said AFL clubs would love his athleticism, skill set and ability to win clearances and impact the game in the air and at ground level.

“If you look at the Max Gawns and Brodie Grundys, you want a ruck who can get the hit-outs and then follow up and influence the stoppage and win the ball around the ground – Dodson has done that,’’ Sheehan said.

Sturt football manager Chris Trapp described Dodson’s potential as ‘sky high’.

“He has great athleticism and the way he moves around the ground and gets involved in general play has been super,’’ he said.

“His ability to not only give his teammates first use of the ball at ruck contests but also take marks and find the footy at ground level has been excellent too. He’s an impact player.’’

Alex Dodson is put in a headlock during a ruck contest at this year’s South Australia-Western Australia game during the AFL under-18 championships. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Dodson, who still needs to add some muscle to his 95kg frame, missed the Croweaters’ opening match but impressed in the final three contests, averaging 17.3 disposals, 19.7 hit-outs and 3.7 clearances.

He had 20 disposals against Western Australia and 19 against Victoria Country, admitting he had surprised even himself with his rapid-fire development in his return to the sport.

“100 per cent I am surprised (at how well he’s played),’’ Dodson said.

“When I came back to football I didn’t really know what to expect but I guess I just picked things up naturally. It’s also a testament to my state coaches and how well the Sturt program is run because they’ve really helped me develop.’’

But basketball still looms large.

An ace points scorer as a small forward/power forward, Dodson represented Australia’s under-18 team at this year’s Albert Schweizer Cup in Germany in April, helping Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence Emus team stun Serbia in the final to claim the cup for only the second time.

A long-time state junior basketballer, he captained the SA under-18 team at the national championships last year and trained with Adelaide’s NBL club, the 36ers, as part of their development roster.

Alex Dodson in action for South Australia at this year’s AFL under-18 championships. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Alex Dodson in his Sturt colours. Picture: Supplied

“To be involved with the 36ers as a train-on player was awesome, being a part of a professional environment and seeing how the players acted and trained,’’ he said.

Dodson said his basketball experience, with the agility, fast hands and quick decision making in traffic it requires, had helped enormously with his football.

“Basketball has definitely helped with my footy,’’ he said.

If he chooses football, Dodson would be a perfect fit at Adelaide.

The Crows need a young ruckman to develop, with No. 1 big man Reilly O’Brien and his understudy Kieran Strachan turning 29 this year.

Dodson said his decision to choose between the Sherrin and Spalding balls and chase an AFL or professional basketball career would be made in consultation with his family, friends and coaches.

“Ultimately it will come down to what I love more and what sport I think I can have the better future in,’’ he said.

“I’ll talk it through with the people I love and trust – I have some great people by my side – and get their advice because I know they have my best interests at heart.’’

The football and basketball worlds await.

NUMBERS GAME

5

Games Port Adelaide has won by a goal or less this season.

5

Goals kicked by Crow Darcy Fogarty in his 100th game against the Bulldogs – an equal career-high.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

“He’s got a spirit in him that says ‘I’m not going to lose’. I think that’s what we’re building through that group of midfielders.’’ – Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley on star midfielder Jason Horne-Francis.

“It’d be the cherry on top. It’s huge and it’s going to be something we’re going to try to do. To cost them their year would be unbelievable.’’ – Crow Darcy Fogarty on trying to hurt Port Adelaide’s top-four chances with a victory in Showdown 56.

Originally published as My Two Cents: Alex Dodson’s huge football versus basketball decision to shape AFL draft | Andrew Capel