AFL draft: Eastern Ranges defender James Blanck hoping to cap rapid rise from local football
Eastern Ranges defender James Blanck could cap a whirlwind year if his name is called out at this week’s AFL draft.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Eastern Ranges defender James Blanck could cap a whirlwind year if his name is called out at this week’s AFL draft.
Blanck emerged as the TAC Cup club’s best draft prospect this season after a rapid rise from the local football ranks.
AFL DRAFT: CANNONS PRODUCT TAYLOR-MADE FOR TOP LEVEL
AFL DRAFT: SON OF PREMIERSHIP PIE PUSHING UP DRAFT BOARDS
AFL DRAFT: STINGRAY SAM STURT THE DRAFT BOLTER
The 195cm defender was only called into Eastern’s program from Park Orchards during the pre-season but has blossomed throughout 2018.
Eastern Ranges talent manager Sean Toohey said Blanck loomed as a late or rookie selection.
“He’s probably pretty aware of that and he’s just hopeful of getting an opportunity and continuing to develop on that pathway to the AFL,” Toohey said.
Blanck was identified out of the Yarra Junior Football League last year before quickly attracting the attention of AFL scouts.
He played two games for Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships, showing his wares with 11 disposals, six marks and five rebound 50s against Vic Country.
Toohey said Blanck had grown in confidence throughout the year.
“Coming in and realising his athletic ability and how well he was going there, he really embraced the program so that has been important,” Toohey said.
“I think with every step and every achievement along the way, his confidence has grown and he’s started to feel like he belongs.
“If he gets drafted or rookie drafted, hopefully that’s the case again that the confidence grows and you start to understand and realise what he can do and that he belongs.”
Toohey listed Blanck’s closing speed, intercept marking and agility as his biggest assets.
Ranges also hope Xavier Fry and Cody Hirst will find AFL homes after attending the state and rookie me combines respectively.
Fry was named among Eastern’s best players in five of his 10 games this year.
“Xavier has elite speed and explosiveness in his run and carry out of the backline,” Toohey said.
“Hopefully that has attracted the eyes of at least one club that are willing to take a punt on him.”
Hirst’s year has been hampered by shoulder and knee injuries, managing just four TAC Cup games after an eye-catching 2017.
“We really believe if he had have had the year he was on track to have, progressing on last year, he’d be a top 30 or 40 draft pick,” Toohey said.
“I’m just really hoping for he gets opportunity because I’m pretty confident if he gets one he’ll take it with both hands.”
MORE LOCAL FOOTY
EFL: BORG REVEALS REASONS FOR MOVE TO GLEN WAVERLEY
Delisted Essendon speedster finds new footy home
Former Essendon utility Nick Hind has found his newest footballing home in a move which will help form one of local footy’s best duos. Here is what we know.
Your A-Z guide of country footy’s hidden gems in 2024
Country footy is full of cult heroes and gun players who don’t always get the recognition they deserve. We’ve named our best from across the state.