Calder Cannons utility Jake Riccardi emerges as draft prospect after attracting AFL interest in recent weeks

JAKE Riccardi has emerged as a draft bolter in recent weeks after being invited to private testing by at least two AFL clubs.

Jake Riccardi has attracted interest from AFL clubs in the lead up to the draft. Picture: David Smith.

JAKE Riccardi has emerged as a draft bolter in recent weeks after being invited to private testing by at least two AFL clubs.

Riccardi, who featured at centre half-forward and centre half-back for Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup, led St Bernard’s to a breakthrough Herald Sun Shield win this year.

The 193cm utility booted three goals in the shield final in wet conditions, leaving a lasting impression on Geelong at Simonds Stadium.

The Cats are among the clubs who have shown interest in the 18-year-old, who looms as a possible rookie draft selection.

“A few clubs have taken him and done individual testing so it will be interesting to see how they rated him,” Cannons talent manager Ian Kyte said.

“I think they see him as having a lot of improvement.”

Jake Riccardi celebrates a goal during St Bernard’s Herald Sun Shield win. Picture: Glenn Ferguson.

Another versatile tall, Noah Balta, appears certain to be the first Calder player chosen in next Friday’s AFL National Draft.

The Essendon Doutta Stars junior, an athletic big man capable of playing at either end of the ground, has been touted as a possible first-round pick.

“A lot of clubs have got different opinions on him and he can play in nearly any position on the field,” Kyte said.

Balta, listed at 194cm and 92kg, started the TAC Cup season as a forward but also spent time in defence and as a ruckman.

“A lot of clubs at the moment are talking about him as being that third key back,” Kyte said.

“Some are talking about him being a third forward.

“It’s going to be the needs of the club more than anything.”

Adaptable defender Mitch Podhajski could also be snapped up next Friday or as an early selection in the rookie draft.

“His versatility is going to be (something that) comes to the fore,” Kyte said.

“His ability to play as a back, then he went forward and showed that as well. It’s going to be something that will be attractive to the clubs.”

Calder captain Brad Bernacki, wingman Dylan Landt and key-position player Aidan Tilley are also considered chances for the rookie draft.

Kyte said he had encouraged Bernacki, a hard-nosed midfielder who won the club’s best and fairest and finished second in the TAC Cup’s Morrish Medal count, to head to the VFL if he missed out.