Jackson Davies on AFL Draft radar after state combine invite

Northern Knights captain Jackson Davies has come a long way this season after starting the year with glandular fever but he’s now firmly on the AFL Draft radar after a state combine invite.

Jackson Davies in action for Northern Knights.

From pre-season glandular fever to firmly on the AFL Draft radar — Jackson Davies has come a long way this year.

The Northern Knight captain has improved with every game in 2019, securing an invitation to the AFL Draft state combine.

“It’s a bit of relief to know there’s some (AFL) interest out there,” the St Mary’s junior said.

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“My main goal was to get a Vic Metro trial, and I got that. Once I got that I wanted to try and make the team but unfortunately that didn’t happen.

“Apart from that I just wanted to play good, consistent footy and I feel like, so far, I’ve done that reasonably well.”

Davies has been best on ground in three of the Knights’ last four NAB League games, with the club winning four of its past five.

Jackson Davies in action for Northern Knights.

The 188cm intercept-marking defender had a breakout game in the Round 11 win over Tasmania Devils, racking up 27 touches, 10 marks, four tackles and 11 rebound 50s.

The 18-year-old followed it up with at least 20 disposals and 10 marks in the Round 14 win over Murray Bushrangers and Round 15 loss to Bendigo Pioneers.

Davies said his confidence has grown along with the team’s performance.

“I had an interrupted pre-season but I’m starting to find my feet now,” he said.

“My main strengths are intercept marking, composure and decision making with ball in hand and taking the game on.

“(I’ve got to work on) mostly athletic stuff, endurance and speed is my probably biggest downfall.

Jackson Davies smothers a kick against Sandringham Dragons. Picture: Jason Sammon

“It didn’t help having an interrupted pre-season, I didn’t get to work on it as much as I would have loved to.”

While his on-field performances have improved through the year, leadership has also been a steep learning curve for Davies.

The captaincy was a pleasant surprise and he believes it has helped him come out of his shell on and off the ground.

“I thought Ryan Sturgess was going to be captain, to be honest, but it was good the hear when the coaches said they wanted me to be captain and the boys thought the same,” Davies said.

“I think I’m developing it as I go … early on I was a bit shy, not as confident, because I didn’t think I was up there with my football ability.

“As I’ve gotten more confident my leadership skills have come out a bit more and that’s shown in my everyday life and footy.”

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