Peter Spurling among AFL draft hopefuls at South Australian state combine

TYPE Peter Spurling’s name into YouTube and you will find something that would make Mark Waugh proud — but nothing suggesting he is an AFL draft prospect.

8/10/14 - AFL draft prospect Peter Spurling took a classic crowd catch at the cricket last year. The 17-year-old will take part in the state draft combine in Adelaide on Saturday. Pictured at Glenelg Oval.- Pic Naomi Jellicoe

TYPE Peter Spurling’s name into YouTube and you will find something that would make Mark Waugh proud — but nothing suggesting he is an AFL draft prospect.

Spurling, 18, is among 15 Croweaters who have been invited to test for AFL clubs at the state draft combine at Wayville today.

But in January last year, the Glenelg key position player made headlines for a feat of cricket brilliance.

AFL draft prospect Peter Spurling took a classic crowd catch at the cricket last year. Pic Naomi Jellicoe

Spurling was all over national TV after taking a crowd catch with his left hand — with a pie and iced coffee in his right — at a One-Day International at Adelaide Oval.

AFL NATIONAL DRAFT ORDER AS IT STANDS

A clip of the screamer — from a Brad Haddin six over the western boundary — has since amassed more than 300,000 views on YouTube and prompted The Footy Show to set up a re-enactment.

“I went to go get some lunch and then the ball just flew over,” recalls Spurling, who plays cricket for Sacred Heart Old Collegians.

“I wasn’t even watching the cricket at the time.

“On the cricket field I’ve been known to drop some easy ones as well so it was one of the better catches I’ve taken.

“Footy has always been my dominant sport over cricket.

“(Playing AFL) is something I’ve dreamed about since I started playing footy.”

Spurling, of Hove, has caught the eye of AFL recruiters after overcoming a pre-season elbow injury to play six reserves and three under-18 games for the Tigers.

Spurling is a mobile 199cm and unsurprisingly likes the way Port Adelaide’s Justin Westhoff, who stands the same height, covers the ground.

“I see myself as a mobile, tall player that can play most positions now because I’ve been thrown around a fair bit.”

Spurling represented SA during the midyear national under-18 championships, though was overlooked for the final two games when the Croweaters clinched the title.

“That was very disappointing but it made me work harder when I got back to Glenelg.

“I’m pretty pumped to show my stuff at the (combine) testing.”

If Spurling gets drafted next month, he hopes to produce AFL highlights to add to his 15 minutes of fame on YouTube.

SA INVITEES

Sam Baulderstone (Norwood) 23, 199cm, 113kg

Mac Bower (Norwood) 18, 190cm, 77kg

Henry Carey (Sturt) 17, 183cm, 78kg

Brad Coulson (Port) 17, 183cm, 78kg

Ben Edwards (Glenelg) 19, 192cm, 73kg

Adam Gulden (South) 23, 188cm, 85kg

Josh Hone (Sturt) 18, 170cm, 70kg

Jake Johansen (Port) 18, 171cm, 63kg

Connor McLean (Central) 18, 192cm, 82kg

Matt Panos (Norwood) 23, 191cm, 90kg

Zac Richards (Norwood) 18, 184cm, 73kg

Peter Spurling (Glenelg) 18, 199cm, 88kg

Brett Turner (West) 18, 183cm, 79kg

Jesse Watchman (West) 18, 196cm, 90kg

Callum Wilkie (North) 18, 192cm, 84kg