See the Calder Cannons’ 2021 NAB League Under-19 boys squad here

Famous footy names, a plethora of key position and AFL Draft prospects. There’s plenty of exciting talent on show at Calder Cannons in 2021.

Calder Cannons leaders (from left): Jackson Cardillo, Ben Bozinovski, Flynn Gentile, Jack Newitt

There’s plenty to like about the Calder Cannons this season with a bevy of key positions prospects and several famous footy names.

The NAB League club has been a happy hunting ground for AFL recruiters looking for talls in recent seasons.

Harry Jones, Josh Eyre, Cody Brand (all Essendon) and Matt McLeod-Allison (St Kilda) have all been drafted in the past two years, while Riley O’Brien (Adelaide), Noah Balta (Richmond), Peter Wright (Essendon) and Jake Lever (Melbourne) are also graduates.

SEE THE CANNONS’ 2021 UNDER-19 BOYS SQUAD BELOW

Calder coach Ross Smith believes the likes of Liam Podhajski and Sam Paea have the potential to join them.

“There’s a real lack of ruck stocks in the AFL and will be in the coming draft so there’s an opportunity for guys who are 200cm plus and we’ve got five,” he said.

Calder Cannons coach Ross Smith. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“Liam Podhajski came in as a basketballer two seasons ago and has dominated the intra clubs. He’s 202cm, a good size kid, he’ll be our first ruck and I’ve got some high hopes for him going forward.

“Sam Paea was a chance of being rookie listed on the strength of his three practice matches in 2020, he has also had a good pre-season as a key forward.”

Another tall on the draft radar, 197cm Campbell Edwardes, missed out at the draft last year and is recovering from hip surgery.

“Campbell had a torn labrum in his hip socket, we’re taking our time with him because it’s one of things you need to get right. He’s not far off, he’s looking at Round 2 or 3 in terms of availability,” Smith said.

Josh Goater, a 190cm forward prospect, is seen as one of Calder’s best draft hopes, while Jack Newitt, Flynn Gentile, Sam Clohesy and Zac Taylor are also in the mix.

Gentile and Ben Bozinovski have been named co-captains this season with Newitt and Jackson Cardillo to serve as vice-captains.

There are also several famous footy names set to don the Cannons’ colours this season.

Josh Misiti and Luca Alessio, sons of Essendon premiership stars Joe and Steven have earned spots on the list.

Tom Gleeson and Dane Whitnall, sons of Carlton premiership player Adrian and former Blues captain Lance, will also feature this season, while Ryan Martin is the son of former Bulldog and Lion Mick.

Smith said Misiti in particular was well placed to excel this season.

“Josh is one of the more developed 18-year-olds, he’s probably 190cm and filled out quite a bit and will slot straight into the midfield,” he said.

“He’s probably had five or six years in the Essendon program and really benefited from doing a full pre-season with the AFL program.

“Luca turns 17 this year, so he’ll have to bide his time to get an opportunity.

“If anyone missed a development season last year it was Dane, he’s 18 this year and combining basketball and football, while Tom has had a lot of bad luck, he had a heart murmur and some back issues, so we’re giving him plenty of time.”

The Cannons will launch the new-look NAB League Under-19 season on Saturday with a Girls and Boys double-header against Western Jets at Highgate Reserve.

It will be the first match in the Boys competition in 553 days and Smith said there were plenty of unknowns.

“I haven’t really got any many expectations, we’ve had a limited pre-season and it will be more old fashioned these games, pure footy,” he said.

“There’ll be some good games this weekend, these kids have been waiting 18 months to play a competitive game.”

GIRLS: YASSIR SPARKS CALDER TO SEASON OPENING WIN

LEADER: GET YOUR NAB LEAGUE FOOTY NEWS HERE

PREVIEW: SEE THE FULL WESTERN JETS SQUAD HERE

THE 2021 CALDER CANNONS UNDER-19 SQUAD

Harrison Andronaco

Matthew Weber

Jackson Cardillo

Sam Clohesy

Zac Taylor

Flynn Lakey

Caleb Burquest

Paul Pascu

Cairan Wrigglesworth

Giacomo Thomas

Jack Hebbard

Campbell Edwardes

Michael Ktona

Cody Bramble

Max Taylor

Joey Dimasi

Ryan Martin

Jack Newitt

Flynn Gentile

Ben Morgan

Riley Mason

Seth Robinson

Fraser Phelan-Smith

Patrick Carracher

Josh Goater

Matthew Gook

Ben Bozinovski

Jarvis Jamieson

Josh Misiti

Sam Paea

Darcy McGrath

Luca Alessio

Noah Candotti

Dane Whitnall

Declan Willmore

Thomas Gleeson

Darby Scott

Liam Podhajski

William Hubik

Aaron Tsarouhas

Ned Ryan

Hudson Radecki

Max Panagiotopoulos

Isaac Cullen

Lachlan Hollibone