Four Northern Knights talents earn AFL Draft Combine invites

Key forward Anthony Caminiti has scored a draft combine invite off just three NAB League games, one of four Northern Knights talents recognised.

Anthony Caminiti in action for Northern Knights. Picture: Supplied

Northern Knights forward Anthony Caminiti has launched into draft calculations after scoring an AFL Draft Combine invite.

The key forward is one of four Knights to be recognised as among the best young talents available this season, with Josh Ward, Ned Long and Darcy Wilmot also set to strut their stuff.

Caminiti played just three NAB League games this season, dazzling on debut with five goals against the Brisbane Lions Academy, but showed enough to attract the attention of AFL scouts.

Knights talent manager Nat Grindal said it highlighted the importance of good form in school football as well as the NAB League.

“‘Camma’ was involved in our program a few years ago, he’s been at Carey Grammar this year and playing some good footy there,” Grindal said.

Anthony Caminiti in action for Northern Knights. Picture: Supplied

“We invited him in and he only played three games for us and now he’s got an invite to the combine, which is really exciting for him.

“It shows people have been watching him not only at NAB League level but also school football as well to get that invite.

“It’s a great example to young players that if you miss out on NAB League one year there’s always ways to get back involved if you’re playing good footy.”

Performances with Melbourne Grammar also helped Long after he was limited due to an injury setback this season.

The exciting 192cm midfielder-forward has battled a foot issue in the second half of the year, missing the Vic Metro trials, but showed enough to get recruiters attention.

In the Knights’ first three games the Fitzroy junior averaged 22 disposals and almost six tackles a game as a big-bodied onballer.

Grindal said Long was tracking well on his return.

“Longy’s been a bit unlucky with injury in the back end,” she said.

Josh Ward in action for Northern Knights. Picture: Michael Klein

“He played the first three games for us and was really impressive as a mid and rotating forward – he showed a bit of versatility to his game.

“He was injured when the Metro games happened, so it’s really exciting that regardless of the injury he gets the chance to trial at the combine.

“He’s a really impressive young man, a great character.”

Meanwhile, Ward and Wilmot are potential first-round picks after a number of stunning performances this season.

Ward, 181cm, has rocketed up draft boards this season thanks to his ball-winning ability and earned him comparisons to Luke Power from coach Leigh Clarke.

The Fitzroy junior has averaged 30 disposals (second overall behind Josh Daicos), five marks and five tackles in five games this season.

He collected 29 disposals and an equal game-high eight clearances in Vic Metro’s challenge match against Vic Country in July.

“He’s been incredible this year and I’m really excited to see what he can do at the combine,” Grindal said.

Darcy Wilmot in action for Northern Knights. Picture: Michael Klein

“I think he’s well and truly proved what he’s capable of and on top of being an incredible footballer, he’s a great young man as well, any club would be very lucky to get him.”

Ward is seen as a certain first-round draft pick, with some talent watchers even suggesting he could go inside the top-10.

Wilmot is another potential first-round pick as one of the best defensive prospects in the 2021 talent pool.

The 182cm half-back made a stunning senior football debut for Montmorency earlier this year and has averaged 15 disposals in seven games for the Knights.

Capable of launching attacks with his kicking but also able to lock down on his direct opponent.

“He’s an extremely exciting player to watch, some of the things he can do on a football field are incredible,” Grindal said.

“He loves being a defender, he hates to get beaten, he’s just a competitive beast and fully embraces the role he plays.

REPORT: “KENNEDY-LIKE” TRUDGEON’S INCREDIBLE STATS

LEADER: GET YOUR NAB LEAGUE FOOTY NEWS HERE

COMBINE: CANNONS PAIR AMONG BEST DRAFT TALENT

“He’s a day off not even being eligible, he was born on the 31st of December, it might have even been a matter of minutes.

“It’s a real credit to what he’s been able to achieve this year given his age in our squad.”

The Knights have a host of talents that could be considered unlucky to miss out on combine invites.

Carlton NGA prospect Dom Akuei, Ben de Bolfo, Joel Fitzgerald and Grant all played in Vic Metro’s trial games in June, while Joel Trudgeon is arguably the Morrish Medal favourite as the outstanding player of the NAB League season.