Ryan Sturgess impresses for Vic Metro, Nik Cox announces himself as a 2020 draft prospect
Northern Knights defender Ryan Sturgess earns plenty of praise from Vic Metro coach Brett Allison while fellow Northern Knights Adam Carafa, Nik Cox and Lachie Potter also impress.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Versatility is what could make Ryan Sturgess a sought-after talent come the AFL draft.
The 189cm Northern Knights defender played all four games for Vic Metro during the AFL Under-18 National Championships and impressed with his ability to play on talls and smalls.
Sturgess was also shifted forward during the final game against the Allies, kicking one goal.
Playing as a third tall, Sturgess averaged 15 disposals and three rebound 50s.
Metro coach Brett Allison believed Sturgess’ performances would have seen him rocket up the draft board.
“I think Ryan Sturgess is the one for me who probably said to recruiters, ‘here I am, take a chance on me’,” Allison said.
“Just his ability to play the third tall (defender) or play on a range of sizes was really good.
“We were also able to move him forward at times.
“He leads really well and provides a good target.”
CANNONS: DRAFT BOLTER WITH RIEWOLDT-LIKE GIFTS
LEADER: GET YOUR NAB LEAGUE FOOTY NEWS HERE
KNIGHTS: RESILIANT PHILP’S DRAFT STOCK RISING
Sturgess was used as a forward on his return to the Knights in Saturday’s win over Dandenong and kicked four goals.
The Knights had four Metro representatives — Sturgess, Adam Carafa, Lachie Potter and Nik Cox — while Ryan Gardner was sidelined with an ankle injury.
At just 17 years old, Cox is a bottom-age player but is already 197cm and fired on a wing in his sole game against South Australia.
“A really good experience for Nik. He competed really well and played on the wing,” Allison said.
“A big kid who runs really well for his size and competes really strongly in the air or on the ground.
“He showed he’s got a good future ahead of him, particularly being able to come back next year as a top-aged player.”
Potter showed flashes of AFL-calibre talent in four games off half-back, while Carafa played two games as an inside midfielder but Allison said he needed to work on his defensive run.
“(Lachie) has really good speed and can run and carry the ball,” Allison said.
“He was really eye-catching at times with his pace.
“(Adam) didn’t disgrace himself by any means, he was able to win the footy and get his hands on the ball.
“Defence is an area for him to focus on if he wants to go further with his footy.”
WHAT A LEADER LOCAL FOOTY SUBSCRIPTION GIVES YOU ACCESS TO
— Match reports, features, player and coach movements and analysis of all the leagues across Melbourne.
— Unprecedented AFL coverage.
— All the latest football news from across the country including Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph and Courier-Mail.
— Latest news and videos from the world’s leading leagues.
— Exclusive digital stories and videos before they go to print.