AFL: Scott Clayton joins Tasmania Devils from North Melbourne

A man who played a key role in luring Gary Ablett Jnr to the Gold Coast Suns has been appointed to a key role with the Devils.

Scott Clayton has experienced with the Suns.

The Tasmania Devils recruiting staff is continuing to grow.

Scott Clayton, who recently departed North Melbourne where he was the national talent scout, has been appointed as a future talent consultant.

The Devils said the role will see Clayton “support the club’s list and recruiting strategy by helping identify younger players emerging through the early talent pipeline”.

Devils boss Brendon Gale lauded the appointment.

“Scott is not only one of the most experienced and respected recruiters in the country—he’s one of Tasmania’s own,” Gale said.

“He understands our football culture, he knows our communities, and he has a proven eye for identifying young talent. We’re delighted he’s coming home to help lay the foundations of our club’s future.”

Clayton, originally from Hobart, spent five-and-a-half years with the Roos after involvement at other clubs including Brisbane, Gold Coast, West Coast and the Western Bulldogs.

He said he was looking forward to returning home.

“I have thought a lot about Tasmania’s entry into the AFL and AFLW for many years. To see this finally becoming a reality and now to be able to be a part of it from the beginning is a dream come true for me,” he said.

“To be a part of the build of a football club from the start is not an opportunity that comes around often, I am so excited about being able to work with the team to build a football list that will represent our club and our state with talent, grit and pride.”

He worked as the Suns’ list manager from 2010 as the club was preparing to enter the competition having spent over a decade with the Dogs.

In the top-10 of the draft that year, the Suns selected David Swallow, Harley Bennell, Sam Day, Josh Caddy, Dion Prestia and Daniel Gorringe.

CLAYTON’S HITS AT THE EXPANSION SUNS

DRAFT 

David Swallow (pick 1, 2010)

It sounds a simple selection but Swallow has remained a one-club player during his career when so many others departed the Suns.

Dion Prestia (pick 9, 2010)

Played a sensational role for the Suns before joining the Tigers where he is a three-time premiership star.

Tom Lynch (pick 11, 2010)

Was the focal point up forward for the Suns for many years eventually departing after 131 games to join Richmond.

Alex Sexton (pick 88, 2011 zone selection)

Sexton was a local selection after being drafted out of Springwood Pumas, he’s gone onto play over 180 games and twice been the leading goalkicker.

Touk Miller (pick 29, 2014)

The former Vic Country under-18 captain has been a loyal servant of the Suns and has become one of the most respected midfielders In the game.

Ben Ainsworth (pick 4, 2016)

Has played a key role as a small forward throughout his career and continues to play an important role when in the senior side.

Wil Powell (pick 19, 2017)

An underrated smaller defender who has gone onto play over 100 games.

Charlie Ballard (pick 42, 2017)

One of the AFL’s leading intercept defenders when on sung. Ballard plays a key role as a third tall in defence.

Nick Holman (rookie pick 19, 2017)

Holman had previously spent two years at Carlton in 2014 and 2015, playing two games, but after a stint in the SANFL earned an AFL lifeline with the Suns and his competitive nature makes his a valuable player.

FREE AGENT HITS

Gary Ablett Jnr (from Geelong)

The marquee signing of the Suns. Ablett won a Brownlow and thrived at the peak of his powers.

Jarrod Harbrow (from Western Bulldogs)

Was the first player to play 150 games for the club. He signed for the first season.

Michael Rischitelli (from Brisbane) 

Joined the club for their inaugural season from Queensland rivals, the Lions, and went onto play 132 games.

Originally published as AFL: Scott Clayton joins Tasmania Devils from North Melbourne