VFL 2019: Sandringham’s first ‘community combine’ has produced five recruits for 2019

They were among 40 hopefuls who turned up to Sandringham’s inaugural ‘community combine’. Now Michael Batten, Dylan Webber, Trent Thomas, Ryan Carroll and Lochie Adey have VFL contracts with the Zebras.

Sandringham’s “community combiners’’ (L-R) Michael Batten, Trent Thomas, Ryan Carroll, Lochie Adey and Dylan Webber.

THERE were no promises, just an open invitation to attend Sandringham’s inaugural “community combine’’ day.

Michael Batten from Old Xaverians, Dylan Webber from Narre Warren, Trent Thomas from Berwick, Ryan Carroll from St Kilda City and Lochie Adey from Blackburn were among 40 hopefuls who presented for testing at the end of last season.

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With Zebras coach Aaron Hamill a keen observer, they completed a 3km time trial, sprints, skills work and match simulation.

The club later asked eight players to attend pre-season training.

And now, after a summer of sweat, and sweating on a VFL listing, Batten, Webber, Thomas, Carroll and Adey have been contracted for the 2019 season.

Sandy CEO David Cannizzo, who initiated the testing day in the hope of enticing suburban talent to the club, is calling the five recruits the “community combiners’’.

For Batten, 20, it’s another step-up in his football.

Michael Batten after his debut for Old Xaverians last year.

An East Malvern junior, he played school football for Xavier College before joining the Old Xaverians Under 19s.

Under the coaching of former Adelaide Crow Sam Shaw, he was co-captain of the team in two premiership seasons.

The midfielder was also introduced to senior ranks by Xavs, playing six games.

“That was another experience again, really helped my footy. It was good to be exposed to that level,’’ Batten said.

“Obviously the team is used to success but last year the seniors weren’t as good and a few of us younger guys got a bit of a go.’’

He said he hadn’t given much thought to trying out for the VFL, but read about the Sandringham community combine and decided to have a dash at it.

After it, Batten was chuffed to be invited to pre-season training.

“It’s definitely been another level up,’’ he said.

“We spend a lot of time at the club. It’s full-on. But it’s something I’ve really enjoyed being exposed to. It’s been tough.’’

Tough but rewarding, he can say now. Cannizzo asked him to come to training a little earlier last Monday and presented him with a contract. It was the same for Webber, Thomas, Carroll and Adey, a deal to seal some dedicated training.

“It was a thrill for all the boys who came through the trial,’’ Batten said.

“I’ll take whatever comes my way and give it the best I’ve got. A few (VFL) games would be pretty awesome … any senior footy at Sandy or Xavs I’ll take.’’

THE “COMMUNITY COMBINERS”

TRENT THOMAS

“It obviously means a lot to me, making it on to a VFL list for the first time, and I’m hoping to take my game to another level and play consistent footy throughout 2019.’’

RYAN CARROLL

“After such a tough slog over pre-season, to be signed means the world. Footy is a massive part of my life and has been since day dot so to have this opportunity, I will ensure to take it with both hands and hope for a long future with the Zebs.’’

LOCHIE ADEY

“Couldn’t be happier right now. Was stoked to make it through the combine, but to go through that and then make it to the final list is an amazing feeling. Personally, I can’t wait to put into practice what we’ve been learning over the past few months and try and string together some consistency in my football, so when or if I get the opportunity I can give my best.’’

DYLAN WEBBER

“Stoked I made it on to the list, over the moon, really proud, to be honest. It’s an exciting opportunity to learn and develop my footy as much as I can, and become the best player I can be. Personally I’d love to be able to play a couple games and get some exposure at this level and just be able to contribute to the group in some way.’’

MICHAEL BATTEN

“I’m feeling very privileged to have been given this opportunity from Sandringham.

Personally I just want to be as much a part of the process as I can. If that means locking down a spot in the side or simply only playing a handful of games but continually improving and learning off the senior guys and coaches, I’ll be really pleased.’’