Eastern Ranges midfielder Adam Cerra looms as top AFL draft pick after strong start to TAC Cup year

IF ADAM Cerra had dropped off AFL recruiters’ radar, he has certainly found his way back on it with a blistering start to the TAC Cup season.

Adam Cerra gets a kick away against Northern Knights. Picture: David Smith

IF ADAM Cerra had dropped off AFL recruiters’ radar, he has certainly found his way back on it.

The versatile Eastern Ranges midfielder has started this TAC Cup season in blistering form, averaging 26 touches, seven handball receives, six marks and four tackles a game to quickly grab the attention of AFL talent scouts.

The 17-year-old (188cm, 85kg) played only the final two games of the Ranges’ 2016 season after missing the bulk of the year with a meniscus injury in his right knee.

However, he has wasted no time in reminding recruiters of the talents he showcased as a 15-year-old when he burst on the scene during the Ranges’ finals campaign in 2015.

His performances this year have confirmed his status as a potential top pick in this year’s draft.

While he missed selection in the AIS-AFL Academy, so did Sandringham Dragons duo Andrew McGrath and Tim Taranto and they were the top two picks in last year’s draft. Cerra may well follow suit.

“It is just a start so I hope I hold some consistency throughout the year and keep playing good footy,” Cerra said.

Adam Cerra dishes out a handball against Dandenong Stingrays last year. Picture: Josie Hayden

“I was able to get through a full pre-season, which set me up well for the start of the year.”

Eastern Ranges talent manager Len Villani said the club realised from those finals performances in 2015 they had a special talent on their hands.

“A kid, who yeah has a talent, but over and beyond, makes sure he is able to capitalise on that by doing absolutely everything right,” Villani said.

While on the sidelines, rather than dwell on not playing, Cerra, a product of the successful Norwood Football Club, used his time away from the game to work on his deficiencies and added 7kg to his frame.

“He is just class, makes time stand still, can play multiple roles inside and outside, he can go down back and is good overhead,” Villani said.

“They way he has presented himself is a credit to him because it has held him in good stead and his body is robust now and he is strong and confident.

“His footy does the talking for him because he oozes class.”