NAB League 2019: Cody Hirst in the mid-season draft mix

Eastern Ranges small forward Cody Hirst has emerged as a mid-season draft chance after coming a horror run of injuries last year.

Cody Hirst has been one of the standouts at Eastern Ranges. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Cody Hirst has moved to the wing this season.

And it’s allowed the Eastern Ranges “over-ager’’ to spread his wings and make a big impression in the opening rounds of the NAB League.

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The agile Hirst remains on the radar of AFL clubs after receiving an invitation to have a medical screening ahead of the mid-season draft.

The Lilydale junior had several injury setbacks last year and was overlooked in the draft.

But the small forward has again caught recruiters’ attention in 2019 after being invited back to Eastern as a 19-year-old.

Cody Hirst gets the ball on his boot. Picture: Quinn Rooney/AFL Media/Getty Images

Hirst has also pushed up to the wings this year, where he has had more influence on games.

He’s been named Ranges’ best player in two of his five matches, averaging 24 disposals, six marks and five tackles a game.

“He’s got a lot of tricks, he’s a very smart player, he’s been able to build a bit of a tank to be able to play up the ground,” Eastern coach Darren Bewick said.

“He’s just very smart with his footy knowledge and his ability to use the ball by foot.”

Hirst played 15 games as a bottom-age player in 2017 before shoulder and knee setbacks put a halt to his development last year.

Despite managing just four games, he received an invitation to the Rookie Me combine and twice set a new record for the agility test.

Bewick said Hirst would be a project player if selected in the mid-season draft.

“I was surprised that he didn’t get picked up late anyway in last year’s draft as a late pick or a rookie just going on his form and his performances as a bottom-age player,” he said.

“They were probably a little bit sceptical or hesitant because he hadn’t played a lot in 2018.

“I think it’s a real opportunity for clubs to pick up someone like him to develop over the next six months and get an early start on what would be a good AFL career.”

The mid-season draft will be held on May 27.

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