Four Northern Knights selected in 2015 AFL National Draft

TAC Cup club Northern Knights has recorded a bumper AFL National Draft night with four players selected including three in the top 32.

AFL Draft Profile: Jade Gresham

TAC Cup club Northern Knights has recorded a bumper AFL National Draft night with four players selected including three in the top 32.

Captain Jade Gresham was snapped up by St Kilda with Pick 18 while fellow midfielder Brayden Fiorini was taken by Gold Coast Suns two selections later.

Brayden Sier was the shock of the draft, the big-bodied midfielder taken by Collingwood with Pick 32 after playing just two TAC Cup matches this year.

Rebounding defender Tyrone Leonardis found his way to Sydney with Pick 51.

Northern Knights coach Andrew Shakespeare said it was great to see some of his troops find AFL homes.

“It’s a terrific effort for the Knights and gives us good feedback about what we are doing, which is producing players capable of going on to the next level which is what TAC Cup is all about,” Shakespeare said.

“Each of the boys, when given the opportunity have worked really hard to achieve what they have.”

St Kilda Recruiting and List Manager Tony Elshaug said Gresham was capable of playing in a variety of roles, making him a valuable proposition.

“He played in defence last year at 177cm playing on the smaller types,” Elshaug told the club’s website.

“This year he went forward and played in the midfield and had a very good year. Jade went on to be Vic Metro’s most valuable player and showed his quality there at winning the ball consistently setting up the play.

“He has good pace, good speed, good endurance, making good decisions by right and left hand and foot. He has shown a good capability to kick a goal and he finished off the year strongly as well. He is a very exciting player.”

Fiorini was one of the draft bolters, putting himself right in the frame with a monstrous finish to the TAC Cup season.

Leonardis was also a big improver across the year, rising confidence levels seeing him take his game to a new level.

Other Northern Knights in the frame to be selected at the draft were Darcy MacPherson, Matthew Perry and James El Moussalli but all missed out on finding homes.

The AFL rookie and pre-season drafts will be held on Friday.