AFL Draft 2014: Tom Lamb attracting ample interest from clubs

PICK ME: CARLTON, Essendon and St Kilda are three of Tom Lamb’s biggest fans and eyeing the utility as early as the end of the first round

TAC Cup: Dandenong Stingrays V Western Jets

WHEN Tom Lamb switched his mobile phone back on after his food and technology Year 12 exam it nearly blew up.

With Lamb’s school commitments finished, eight AFL clubs were punching in his digits, keen for a last-minute catch up as they tried to place the freakishly and athletically gifted — but frustratingly inconsistent — talent in this year’s even draft pool.

MEET LAMB AND SEE HIM IN ACTION IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE

Lamb met with the last of those clubs on Monday and says the range of chats — held at his house, cafes and AFL clubs — have helped keep his mind busy in the build-up to Thursday night’s draft.

“But I just want to get stuck into it,” Lamb said.

PICK ME: EXCLUSIVE VIDEO OF THE HOTTEST DRAFT PROSPECTS

“You tour some clubs and it’s good to get a sneak peek at what it might be like to play there, and then you see they’re already back training and you just want to join in.”

Carlton, Essendon and St Kilda are three of Lamb’s biggest fans and eyeing the utility as early as the end of the first round

“In the right environment this kid could be absolutely anything,” one recruiter said, adding it also wouldn’t surprise if Lamb slipped outside the 20s.

Tom Lamb beats fellow AFL draftee Angus Brayshaw to the footy. Picture: Colleen Petch

The grandson of premiership Saint Ian Cooper models his forward game on Nick Riewoldt and his midfield style on high-marking Nat Fyfe but admits inconsistencies plagued his year.

He trained with St Kilda at the start of the year and impressed, climbing over Sam Fisher to take some marks

Lamb slotted six majors in a Round 1 blitz but didn’t reproduce that output, while in two of his Vic Country games he eclipsed 20 disposals and in two others he failed to reach 10.

“It kind of went downhill,” Lamb, who has bulked up since the season finished, said of his season.

“I didn’t really have many strong games towards the end of the year, I think my first half was a lot better.

“My good can be good but then next week I might not be so good and that pretty much was shown throughout this year.

“It’s been something that I’ve tried to fix but didn’t fix this year. It’s a tricky one, if everyone knew how to play consistent footy they’d be stars every week.

Carlton, Essendon and St Kilda are three of Tom Lamb’s biggest fans. Picture: Colleen Petch

“I think it’s just having your good performances and your average performances and trying to knock out the poor ones.”

But while Lamb’s yo-yo-like form was dictated by confidence levels, the Dandenong Stingrays believe he is a safe bet.

“At the same stage he’s above (Gold Coast’s) Tom Lynch, he’s got more tricks,” talent manager Mark Wheeler said.

“He’s had three high schools, he’s played under different coaches at the AIS, Vic Country and with us this year.

“And he has played in every position on the ground, so he hasn’t had much consistency.”

Wheeler said Lamb — who finished second in the 3km time trial and ran a 15.5 beep test — was a professional trainer and blank canvass for AFL clubs.

“Athletically, the kid can stand on your head and mark it and then run away from you.

“Once he hits the club (whoever drafts him) will see how freakish he really is. He’ll be running as well as the third-year players, he’ll be at the front.”

TOM LAMB

AGE: 18

HEIGHT: 193cm

WEIGHT: 84kg

CLUB: Dandenong Stingrays

POSITION: Utility

SUPERCOACH AVG: 106 points

PREDICTED DRAFT RANGE: 17-30

IN THE MIX: Essendon (17/20), Carlton (19/28), St Kilda (21/22), GWS (23), Collingwood (30)