AFL clubs scouting look ahead at father-son prospects as future draft picks kick in
THE sons of Scott West and Darren Crocker have emerged as potential AFL stars as one of Jack Silvagni’s young brothers takes steps toward becoming another father-son pick.
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THE sons of Scott West and Darren Crocker have emerged as potential AFL stars as one of Jack Silvagni’s two young brothers takes early steps toward becoming another Carlton father-son selection.
Riley West and Joel Crocker have made Vic Metro’s Under 16 squad to play in the national championships, starting Friday.
Both are two years away from being eligible for the draft, but clubs are actively scouting the championships, especially with the trading of future picks now requiring them to have a greater sense of the quality of upcoming drafts to ensure they do not trade away picks needed for father-son selections.
Vic Metro coach Anton Grbac described Riley West as “a chip off the old block” with Jack Viney-style aggression.
His father is one of the greats of the Western Bulldogs after 324 games and seven best-and-fairests.
Joel Crocker is an intercept-marking defender who might move into the midfield.
His father played 165 games for North Melbourne, including the 1996 premiership, and is an assistant coach at Arden St.
Grbac said clubs already were following the progress of the Under 16 metro side.
“Riley West ... is very aggressive at the contest,’’ he said.
“Joel Crocker has been injured but he is in, too, and he is very composed.
“He is very courageous and is a good size, a hybrid defender who might make a big midfielder.”
Ben Silvagni, 16, also available for the 2018 draft, will likely play school football until his final TAC Cup year.
He kicked eight goals — five in the first quarter — in a recent Xavier Year 10 game
He already is 195cm — his father is 194cm — and has an exceptional tank.
Blues list manager and all-time great Stephen Silvagni (312 games, two flags, two best-and-fairests) is extremely protective of his sons and abhors publicity about their junior development.
But with Jack, 18, likely to make his debut for Carlton any week now it seems likely the Blues will have two Silvagnis running around soon.
Ben been receiving coaching from Hawthorn premiership captain Luke Hodge, who is part of the Xavier program.
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