Rowville trio off to AFL Draft state combine as eight Eastern Ranges earn invites
Rowville could be about to add to its long list of players on an AFL list after eight Eastern Ranges players were invited to test at the state draft combine in front of AFL recruiters.
Local Footy
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Rowville’s impressive record of producing AFL talent could continue at the November draft after three Hawks juniors were invited to this year’s state combine.
Lachlan Stapleton, Jamieson Rossiter and Tyler Edwards were among seven Eastern Ranges players invited to October’s testing in front of recruiters.
Rowville currently has nine players (Ryan Bastinac, Paul Seedsman, Hayden Crozier, Taylor Garner, brothers Dylan and Ryan Clarke, Jack Maibaum, Dylan Moore and Trent Mynott) on AFL lists, which is believed to be the most for any community club.
“They’ve always produced some pretty good juniors there,” Eastern Ranges talent manager Sean Toohey said.
“(Rowville president) Paul Mynott has been involved there for a long time and he knows the system very well.
“Rowville is very good at doing what’s best for the individual player … I think they have a really good grasp and understanding of the talent pathway and they work with us to ensure we do what’s best for the individual.”
Lachlan Gawel, Billy McCormack, Mitch Mellis and Zak Pretty were also invited to the state combine.
Riley Smith will also test at the Rookie Me combine.
Smith has played six VFL games for Collingwood this year and Stapleton debuted for Box Hill Hawks under the 23rd man rule in Round 18 against North Melbourne.
Eastern sits at the top of the NAB League ladder but its players were overlooked for a national combine invitation.
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“It’s not so much a relief, it’s more good reward for a lot of hard work for most of the boys over 24 months,” Toohey said.
“They’re a really even team so it’s pleasing there is a large group of them in there together and they’ll continue to push each other as they prepare for that.”
Toohey said the eight players deserved an invitation but captain James Ross and Joel Nathan could consider themselves unlucky.
“James has put a really good body of work together playing as that medium to tall defender,” he said.
“Without him against the Stingrays (in Round 16), we don’t win the game. He was that influential.
“Joel Nathan has been a really solid defender for us as a 19-year-old this year.
“Would have loved to have seen those guys get that opportunity but you never know what can happen with a strong finals series.”
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