South Australian 2023 state draft combine: Recruiters cast their eyes over 19 prospects
As the AFL trade period ramps up, some of South Australia’s top boys and girls’ draft prospects tested for recruiters on Saturday. These are some things that caught our attention.
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Some of South Australia’s top draft hopefuls showed their wares for recruiters at the state combine on Saturday.
For the first time, aspiring AFLW players took part with the boys as they underwent running, agility and jumping tests at Nazareth College, then a 2km time trial in Salisbury.
Whereas last week’s national AFL combine featured SA’s most highly-touted male prospects, Saturday gave recruiters a glimpse at possible diamonds in the rough.
Players to be nominated by at least five clubs headed to Melbourne, while those with three or four tested locally.
Nineteen prospects (10 boys, nine girls) were put through their paces on Saturday.
Here are some of the key take-outs:
EX-CRICKETER WITH HUGE UPSIDE
Former state under-19 fast bowler Patrick Weckert hopes his high “upside” boosts his draft chances.
Weckert, a 194cm, 90kg key forward from Woodville-West Torrens, has not undertaken a full football pre-season having been heavily involved in cricket.
He turned heads in 2022 when he kicked 8.1 against North Adelaide in a reserves game – his first in the seniors – at the age of 17.
This year, he played three league matches and booted five goals in a semi-final win over Central District.
Four clubs – Port Adelaide, Collingwood, Richmond and West Coast – were understood to have shown interest in Weckert, who received a late invitation to test on Saturday.
“At the start of the season it probably wasn’t clicking for me,” Weckert said.
“I probably hadn’t had the best preparation for the season with my cricket and not really having much of a pre-season … I only joined in January.
“But towards the back end going into finals I felt like things were starting to click.”
Weckert rejected a SA Cricket Association rookie contract to concentrate on footy.
He is returning to work on his family’s sheep and crop farm, near Koolunga in the mid-north, to help his dad and uncle in the lead-up to the draft.
Weckert has also gained plenty of life perspective this year via a job in plastering and role with the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
“I have one main client who I go out and do fun activities with a couple of times a week and it’s the highlight of their week and a really good feeling to go out and help them,” he said.
“It’s a great way to give back.”
BEST FOOT FORWARD
North Adelaide midfielder Jed Dignan, Sturt speedster Loch Rawlinson, Norwood defender Logan Evans, Double Blues backman Alex Holt and Weckert are considered perhaps the likeliest of the male attendees to be drafted.
Rawlinson caught the eye of AFL talent guru Kevin Sheehan after a 2.89sec 20m sprint on Saturday.
“He looked quick and he does play quick too,” Sheehan said.
“He’s a fall of the ball player up forward, a thumping long kick and that little X-factor with his speed gives him a chance.”
Key defender Henry Maerschel, who beat teammate Luca Slade to win the boys’ 2km time trial, was also one to keep an eye on.
Sheehan did not expect many South Australians to be drafted early in what most recruiters considered a leaner year for the state.
“But that doesn’t mean they won’t have a great result overall,” Sheehan said.
“The beauty is you only need one club to like you, not the whole 18.”
Hawthorn father-son prospect Will McCabe, a key defender from Central District, looms as SA’s likely top selection.
McCabe tested in Melbourne last week.
FROM MAGAREY TO AFL?
Magarey Medallist Harry Grant cancelled a holiday to Cairns after receiving a late call-up to test the day before he was due to fly.
Grant, who was the oldest combine participant on Saturday, aged 22, had been back training and eating well since getting the invite a few weeks ago.
The Central District midfielder had not spoken to any AFL clubs before he tested but believed he could step up to the next level if he got an opportunity.
“I know my work ethic and training standards will make me become a good player,” Grant said.
“I love footy … so to work as an AFL footballer is the dream for me.”
Grant, who stood 173cm and 79kg, finished third in the 2km time trial.
Three years ago, the former GWS academy member tested at the New South Wales state combine and thought he might be rookie-listed, only to be overlooked.
The ball magnet was unaware of interest from any particular clubs this year.
“I didn’t think I’d be here 12 months ago,” he said.
Sheehan said Grant had a great second half of the year.
“The message there is don’t give up if you’re not drafted at 18,” he said.
“I think 28 per cent of players are taken later on.”
Fellow Bulldog Liam Fawcett is understood to have spoken to 10 clubs
The 198cm key forward kicked 31 goals from 16 under-18 games this year, as well as two majors in the national championships against the Allies.
MEDALLIST PREFERS SA STAY
Glenelg on-baller Piper Window will be happy to be drafted to any AFLW club but her preference is to remain in SA.
Window, who won the SANFLW league best-and-fairest in June, had spoken to about seven or eight teams.
“All the interstate clubs have been really amazing to talk to,” said Window, a Collingwood fan.
“I haven’t made any decisions yet but I think I’d like to stay here because I’ve got my family,
friends and whole support system here.”
Window, whose grandfather, Central District great Gary Window, won the 1965 Magarey Medal with Central District, said her standout season “still did not feel real”.
She averaged 20 disposals, six clearances and eight tackles per game.
“I know it made my whole family so proud,” the ex-netballer said.
“Grandpa’s been out to every game supporting and loves watching me play.
“He’s had a massive influence.”
Central District small forward/midfielder Elaine Grigg’s draft stocks might have risen after a brilliant fightback to win the girls’ 2km time trial.
Grigg led for the first two laps before being headed and going a few spots behind, but stormed home.
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Originally published as South Australian 2023 state draft combine: Recruiters cast their eyes over 19 prospects
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