AFL Draft 2024: Trio of bolters added to Academy squad as injuries hit top prospects
The AFL Academy team takes on Coburg’s VFL side this weekend in an exhibition game closely watched by club recruiters – and there have been a few late call-ups.
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A trio of Victorian draft bolters have received late call-ups to the AFL Academy squad ahead of an exhibition match against Coburg’s VFL side this weekend.
Sandringham Dragons half-forward Taj Hotton, Bendigo Pioneers wingman Tobie Travaglia and Murray Bushrangers key forward Jack Whitlock are all set to feature in Saturday’s match at Princes Park after making impressive starts to the Coates Talent League season.
Hotton – who is the son of former Collingwood and Carlton player Trent and the younger brother of 2022 St Kilda draftee Olli – has averaged 28.7 disposals, 7.3 marks, 9 score involvements and 1.7 goals from three games to start the season at Sandringham.
Travaglia – an athletic running machine – has averaged 25 disposals, 8 marks and 5.7 tackles from his first three matches, while key forward Whitlock has averaged 15 disposals and kicked seven goals from his first three games.
Bushrangers coach Mark Brown said the 200cm Whitlock had done “a mountain of work over the pre-season” to set himself for a big top-age year.
“He’s added six or seven kilograms to his frame, but he’s maintained his speed and his power,” Brown said.
“He’s just getting the reward for all the hard work he’s put in.
“He takes the ball at the highest point, he stands under the ball, he’s brave, he competes well, he gets his position right, and traditionally when he gets an opportunity in front of goal, he finishes pretty well. He ticks a lot of boxes.”
Jack and his twin brother Matt — who is also playing for the Bushrangers this year — have drawn some comparisons to AFL stars and fellow twins Max and Ben King.
However, Matt plays at the other end of the ground as a 197cm key defender.
The late additions to coach Tarkyn Lockyer’s squad were brought about by a number of injuries.
Highly-rated midfielder Finn O’Sullivan is recovering from a fractured thumb which he suffered in the opening round of the Coates Talent League last month, while South Australia’s top draft prospect Sid Draper is managing a stress fracture in his shin which will sideline him for a few more weeks.
Greater Western Victoria key forward Jonty Faull has been targeting a return in June as he deals with a stress fracture in his back, while Rebels teammate Sam Lalor is yet to play this season due to a groin issue.
West Australian small forward Malakai Champion, Bendigo Pioneers midfielder-forward Arche Day-Wicks and West Australian defender Bo Allan will also miss the match through injury.
Top-10 draft prospects Josh Smillie, Levi Ashcroft, Jagga Smith and Christian Moraes headline the players to watch in the match.
Along with the Brisbane Lions-linked Ashcroft, three other father-son prospects will also take part in twins Ben and Lucas Camporeale (both tied to Carlton) and Tyler Welsh (tied to Adelaide).
The clash against Coburg is the first of two matches the AFL Academy squad will play, with a second game slated to be played against Footscray’s VFL side on April 27 or 28.
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