Calder Cannons trio at the heart of draft drama amid surprise picks
Geelong premiership star and western club talent manager Tom Lonergan couldn’t believe his eyes as three of his young guns stole draft headlines within seven picks of each other. Here’s how the drama unfolded.
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The AFL National Draft regularly features shock selections — and a trio of Calder Cannons were at the heart of the drama on Thursday night.
Geelong produced arguably the biggest surprise of the night when it snapped up 183cm forward Francis Evans at pick No. 41.
Six picks later, Carlton plucked Cannons best-and-fairest winner Sam Ramsay, while Adelaide took Lachlan Gollant at pick No. 48.
All this after key forward prospect Harry Jones had been taken by Essendon at No. 30, the club he grew up supporting.
Calder talent manager Tom Lonergan was rapt for his four young stars.
“For those two guys (Evans and Gollant), to bring them in midway through the season … and for them to take the opportunity was really pleasing,” he said.
“I’m absolutely rapt for ‘Rama’. He didn’t even make the squad for Vic Metro and was really, really disappointed. It’s a fantastic story.
“And Harry, he’s super excited to get to Essendon, he’s a Bombers fan, lives down the road at Gisborne.”
Evans earned a position at the top level after just two NAB League games and five senior games at VAFA Division 2 outfit Brunswick NOBS.
The crafty forward kicked 21 goals in those five games to secure a spot with Calder and kicked three goals in his first outing before a foot injury sidelined him for the rest of the season.
“I did have an inkling (Geelong) were interested in Francis … (but) I didn’t play too much (of a role), to be honest,” Lonergan said.
“Playing Murray Bushrangers up at Wangaratta and we were all just looking at each other all day going ‘wow, this kid has got something’.”
Cats grab a smokey 🌫
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) November 28, 2019
Take in the goal-kicking exploits of Francis Evans.#StandProud #WeAreGeelong pic.twitter.com/IyO74I7WAt
Ramsay’s is a story of resilience and perseverance having missed out on Vic Metro selection.
The explosive midfielder from Gisborne took his game to an elite level in the second half of the season, averaging 29.5 disposals and five tackles a game after Round 8.
“It doesn’t matter if you miss out on Vic Metro selection there’s still opportunities if you’re prepared to put in the work,” Lonergan said.
“To give you an idea of how he was going, he had nine votes in our best-and-fairest to Round 8 and won it with 99, that’s how good his back half was.”
Gollant’s experienced a similar rise to Evans – invited to join the Cannons mid-season after strong form with school PEGS.
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The lightly built 191cm forward-midfielder looms as a project player at the Crows.
“Lachie is a super intelligent kid, he understands footy really well. I think he’s a 98-99 ATAR type of student,” Lonergan said.
“He missed the wildcard game against Tassie, but came back and set the first final alight.
“Guys that miss out on the national carnival, the next best thing is to perform well in the finals and Lachie and Sam were able to do that.”