Josh Fraser believes there’s still plenty of improvement in AFL Draft hopes Frank Anderson and Sam Fisher
Former No.1 draft pick Josh Fraser knows plenty about life at the elite level and the Northern Blues coach believes draft hopes Frank Anderson and Sam Fisher are ready for their chance at the big time.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Northern Blues’ draft bolter Frank Anderson could complete a whirlwind 12 months if selected in next week’s AFL Draft.
The prolific midfielder was playing for Eastern Football League club South Croydon in 2018, before being invited to train with the Blues.
To say he’s taken the opportunity would be an understatement.
DOGS: GAME THAT PUT ANDERSON ON AFL PATH
LEADER: GET YOUR VFL FOOTY NEWS HERE
MOVES: SILVESTRO SWAPS STRIPES FOR LIONS’ DEN
Anderson, 21, became a key member of the Blues’ VFL squad and was touted as a possible mid-season draft pick before an untimely suspension.
Former No.1 draft pick and Blues coach Josh Fraser lauded Anderson’s commitment to achieving his AFL dream.
“We thought he might have been snaffled up by somebody (in the mid-season draft), but it wasn’t to be,” Fraser said.
“He’s still an at age where there’s plenty of scope for him to improve. I see plenty of upside in his football, and the window for him to play AFL football is wide open.
“I think the program and the environment he’s in (at Northern Blues) gives him a great chance to elevate himself, whether it’s at Carlton or somewhere else.”
In 12 VFL games, Anderson averaged 20 disposals, 4.3 clearances and 5.5 tackles, which saw him invited to the AFL Draft state combine.
The 186cm onballer proved his potential with an equal fifth place in the torturous yo-yo test.
Anderson formed a formidable one-two punch in the Blues’ midfield with Sam Fisher this season.
The former Sydney Swan claimed a spot in the VFL Team of the Year and Fraser believes he’s ready for another crack at the top flight.
“Sam’s turned into a really consistent performer for us through the midfield,” he said.
“He’s another young player with room to grow and improve, so we’re really confident he can keep progressing.
“They’ve both had really good years, so we’re hopeful they get an opportunity at AFL level.
“I know they’ve both put in a lot of work to their football, they’re great young characters.”
Fisher averaged 23 touches and four tackles in 18 games this season.
For all the latest news from the VFL and other suburban competitions over the off-season, log on to localfooty.com.au