AFL Draft 2020: How Western Jets star Eddie Ford is tracking Nat Fyfe
Western Jets star Eddie Ford has been determined not to waste a moment during lockdown as he works to address his flaws, securing an invite to the AFL draft combine. But he has also displayed a bold form of initiative.
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AFL draft prospect Eddie Ford is not lamenting a lost season.
Determined not to waste a moment, he has boosted his fitness and worked to address his flaws.
But the Western Jets star has also spent time sourcing footage of the likes of Fremantle skipper and dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe and West Coast gun Elliot Yeo.
It is this diligence to improve which should serve Ford well if he earns an opportunity at the top level later this year.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be able to call a few clubs and ask them for footage of other players who are similar types of players to myself,” Ford told Leader Local Footy.
“I called Fremantle and asked for Nat Fyfe footage around packs and the stuff he does to free himself up and what he does when he doesn’t have (the football). Plus his inside work and how he gets through his opponents.
“I don’t really get to see that too often. It’s good to see their running patterns and their forward craft as well.
“It’s pretty useful and I can try and take on a few of their tricks in my game when I get a chance to.”
Ford is the only male Western Jet invited to test at this year’s AFL Draft Combines, with players having to receive nominations from at least three clubs.
The combines will be state-based in 2020 with the date for the Victorian edition yet to be confirmed amid the coronavirus crisis.
The 18-year-old produced an impressive NAB League season for the Jets in 2019, voted the club’s best under-age player after averaging 14 disposals and almost four marks from 16 games.
Ford said he “played his role” but did not deliver an “above average” season.
He was set to spend more time in the midfield this year after filling a role in the forward 50m arc last season.
“I think in some games I went missing through quarters,” Ford said.
“I don’t want to blame my team, but the ball wasn’t always down in the forward half, so it could be a bit hard to find the footy.
“I was looking forward to (2020). I had a pretty good pre-season, a couple of niggles here and there, but overall it was pretty good and my 2km (time trial) was a good standard and better than last year.
“The coronavirus hasn’t affected me a whole lot. I’ve been able to not neglect this time and not using it as a break, but keep using it as a platform to work hard, develop my strengths.
“I’m getting a lot more time in the gym, which is handy, so can strengthen the body up a little bit.”
Ford said versatility was his strength, while he also provides x-factor and boasts aerial ability.
He is also a good decision-maker and reader of the play.
But some of his most valuable learning came outside the elite under-age system.
Ford was a key member of Yarraville-Seddon’s senior team in the Western Region league in 2018.
He logged a top-10 finish in the best-and-fairest despite starting the season as a 15-year-old as his side advanced to the grand final.
Ford certainly left a mark on former Yarraville-Seddon coach Vinnie Turcinovich, who rates the 188cm young gun as the best junior he’s seen.
“At the end of my under-14s year, I asked my dad (Nick), ‘What are the chances of playing seniors? Is it realistic’. He said, ‘Yeah, why not’,” Ford said.
“I got on to Vinnie Turcinovich and he said to come down and see how I go.
“I had a pretty good pre-season…throughout the year I was able to hold my spot in that forward-wing role.
“They were obviously a bit bigger and it was good for my development.”
The direct style of Jets coach and Sydney Swans great Ryan O’Keefe has also benefited Ford.
He said the dual premiership player, Norm Smith medallist and All-Australian brought a “wealth of knowledge and experience”.
Ford said accepting firm feedback helped “build character”.
“He’s a hard-hitter and he’s going to let you know if you’ve mucked up or need some feedback,” he said of O’Keefe.
“He obviously knows a fair bit about footy. He’s not for everyone, I guess, because some people don’t always like coaches who are a bit harder.
“But in my opinion he’s a very good coach.”
The AFL is working towards a return to train and play plan for Vic Metro and Vic Country squads to give prospects a chance to showcase their skills to recruiters.
“You’ve got to show good resilience and integrity at this time I think,” Ford said.
“It’s tough for everyone. No one has it easy at the moment, so you’ve just got to keep working hard and show good character.”
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