AFL Draft 2018: Eastern Ranges defender James Blanck enjoying rise from Park Orchards

EASTERN Ranges key defender James Blanck continues to emerge as one the TAC Cup club’s best AFL draft prospects after a sharp rise from the local football ranks.

James Blanck takes a mark for Vic Metro. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

EASTERN Ranges key defender James Blanck continues to emerge as one the TAC Cup club’s best AFL draft prospects after a sharp rise from the local football ranks.

Blanck cracked two games for Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships, elevating himself from Park Orchards’ under-17 side last year to be a draft smoky.

WEST UNFAZED BY HYPE

MCKENZIE’S DRAFT STOCKS SOAR

The 17-year-old enjoyed his best game of the championships against Vic Country when he returned 11 disposals, six marks and five rebound 50s in a breakout performance.

Blanck said he had exceeded all his expectations since an unexpected call up to the Ranges’ pre-season.

“It’s been a bit of a surprise, playing local footy last year and going into Eastern Ranges straight into the team, now this, it has all come at once, which is really exciting,” he said.

Ranges scouts spotted him in the playing with Park Orchards in the Yarra Junior Football League and saw some potential in his height (195cm) and agility.

Blanck said his priority for the second half of the season was to continue his development as he looks to attract the attention of AFL clubs.

“Obviously there is a bit of a (draft) chance now but just playing footy at the moment, just focusing on that really and just seeing where it takes me,” he said.

“Just getting back to Ranges and playing some good footy and hopefully getting my name out there a bit.”

Vic Metro coach Marty Allison said it was a great achievement for Blanck to emerge from local football to be among the best underage footballers in the country in a short period of time.

“He’s got really good closing speed and he’s got the ability just to put a fist on the ball right at the last moment when the opponent is just about to mark it,” Allison said.

“He might not worry the statistician with possessions but all you want your defenders to do is defend and he does that well.”

Eastern Ranges talent manager Sean Toohey said Blanck had thrived since being given a TAC Cup opportunity.

“He’s just taken every opportunity that has come his way. Obviously it’s a step up each time and looked at (it) as a really good challenge and approached it with nothing to lose because he has come from so far back,” Toohey said.

“I’m pretty confident they (AFL clubs) were aware of him but definitely that game against Vic Country has given them a lot more to think about and absolutely take notice of him and I’m sure he’ll be monitored pretty closely for the rest of the year.”