SANFL ruckman Henry Crauford signs with Essendon
Essendon has plucked a 204cm ruckman from South Australia who hadn’t played a senior SANFL game, signing the rookie big man under the AFL’s supplementary selection rules.
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Essendon has added Norwood reserves ruckman Henry Crauford to bolster the club’s big man stocks for this season.
Crauford, who was unable to train with the Bombers over summer because of a broken arm, was picked up under the AFL’s supplemental selection period rules on Wednesday.
The 204cm former swimmer developed rapidly in Norwood’s reserves side last year despite being stuck behind first-choice big man Sam Baulderstone.
The 22-year-old averaged 16 possessions, five clearances and 27 hit-outs last year and will start with Essendon immediately.
Welcome to the club, Henry ðŸ‘#MightyBombers
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) March 11, 2020
Essendon list boss Adrian Dodoro said Crauford had multiple weapons and would support fellow ruckmen Tom Bellchambers (knee), Andrew Phillips and Sam Draper (ACL).
“Henry is a great young man that will broaden our ruck depth and has the ability to play as a tall forward. He displays good athleticism and endurance for a man of his height,” Dodoro said.
“After careful consideration and monitoring several players over the past three months, we feel that Henry is the best fit for us and what we required for our team demographics.”
Phillips is pressing for a Round 1 debut with Bellchambers and Draper sidelined.
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