Ned Gentile will continue to ‘put best foot forward’ after missing out on AFL Draft state combine invite

Ned Gentile has starred for Calder Cannons this season but his NAB League form wasn’t enough to see him earn an AFL Draft state combine invitation and the midfielder is determined to prove his worth.

Ned Gentile in action for Calder Cannons.

Calder Cannons gun Ned Gentile has adopted a philosophical approach after he was surprisingly overlooked for the AFL Draft state combine despite a standout season in the NAB League.

Gentile has been a model of consistency throughout 2019 but will not get the chance to strut his stuff in front of AFL recruiters later this year.

“I’ve just got to keep playing footy, putting my best foot forward, and if an opportunity arises I’ll take it with both hands,” the 18-year-old said.

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“Until then, you’ve just got to keep playing football and I’ll keep doing my part for the team.”

Gentile has certainly put his best foot forward, having played every game this season and would be fighting Sam Ramsay for the Cannons’ best-and-fairest.

The 175cm midfield-forward has averaged 18 disposals, four marks and three tackles a game and kicked 14 goals in 14 appearances this season.

Ned Gentile celebrates a goal for Calder Cannons.

In his past three matches, Gentile has stepped it up to 20 disposals, two marks and five tackles a game while slotting 7.2.

The Airport West junior said a bigger midfield role had helped improve his consistency.

“Like the team, I started a little bit slow, I started forward, but as the season’s progressed I’ve slowly moved into the midfield,” he said.

“I wanted to play every game and I’ve ticked that box so far.

“I just want to keep getting better with my footy, never be content with being good, you always want to be better.

“You can’t just be a midfielder or just a small forward, you have to have extra strings to your bow.”

Ned Gentile in action for Airport West in 2018. Picture: Andy Brownbill

If an AFL career doesn’t materialise, university is Gentile’s goal for 2020 while he’s also keen to follow his father’s footsteps into firefighting.

It’s been a family affair at the Cannons this season with Ned’s 16-year-old brother Flynn making his debut in Round 12 and impressing in three games.

Running out together has been a highlight of the season.

“We played a lot of junior footy together but haven’t for about three or four years,” Ned said.

“To go out and put on the Cannons colours with him was great. He’s playing some really good footy at the moment.

“As a 16-year-old he’s got so much time, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him progress.”

The Cannons face ladder-leader Eastern Ranges in the final game of the home-and-away season before embarking on a finals campaign.

Calder sits in fifth position on the table.

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