Rising Collegians star Daniel Orgill signs with Footscray Bulldogs in VFL
Known for his mullet, Collegians VAFAPremier prospect Daniel Orgill has dropped his locks — and picked up a VFL contract.
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Everyone talks about his mullet.
But Collegians VAFA coach Shane Joyce says there is much more to young player Daniel Orgill than his flowing long hair.
“He’s a serious talent,’’ he said.
The 19-year-old has been signed by Footscray Bulldogs, and is one of five VFL players called up to play in an AFL intraclub match this week.
As a Year 12 student at Wesley College, Orgill played five matches for Collegians in VAFA Premier and was named in the best four times, including against St Kevin’s in the first semi-final.
He was also on the Oakleigh Chargers’ list but made only one NAB League appearance.
A 26-possession effort against De La Salle earned him a Rising Star nomination.
“Daniel is recognisable for his long flowing mullet, huge engine and ability to cover the ground. He plays the wing like Tom Scully with his elite running ability, tackling and decision making,’’ the club said in nominating him.
Orgill will play for Collegians this year when he isn’t selected by the Bulldogs.
Joyce said he wasn’t surprised the Dogs had locked in the young Lion.
“We played him at the back end of the year and he played in our finals game, and his running patterns in terms of out of stoppage … we were playing him on the wing … he’s got elite endurance and his running patterns to stay engaged in the game and the contest and track ball movement is, at that level, as good as I’ve seen in my time at the footy club,’’ he said.
“It’s natural running ability that suits the modern footballer.
“He’s got a lot of physicality and toughness to him as well. He won’t back away from contest, the one-on-one stuff. His ability to win the ball is a highlight as well.
“Obviously the Doggies saw enough in him to invite him over for a pre-season and it’s gone from there.’’
As for the mullet, Joyce said Orgill told him this morning that he had cut it off.
“Luckily he’s been able to make an impression without the mullet,’’ he said. “It was the longest one I’d ever seen. It was a ripper … short side and front and long, flowing hair down to his shoulders. It was unbelievable. There was a lot going on with it!’’
There has been an influx of former AFL players into VAFA Premier ranks, and Collegians made two of the big signings, locking in former St Kilda midfielder David Armitage and ex-Hawthorn defender and Box Hill Hawks captain David Mirra.
Former Bomber Alex Morgan has also dropped off North Melbourne’s VFL list to play at Collegians full-time.
Joyce has also welcomed back ruckman Tom Penberthy and key position player Kalem Post.
On the minus side, best and fairest Sam Parsons has crossed to North Adelaide in the SANFL, and Taylor Hunt has joined Myrtleford.
Joyce said Armitage and Mirra had been exceptional in the pre-season.
“Just with that leadership and knowledge and experience,’’ he said.
“They’ve been fully invested in what we’re trying to do, pulling the young boys aside and having a word to them, been really proactive in trying to educate them.
“That’s what we were looking for when we brought these guys into our footy club.’’