Father-son AFL Draft prospect injured as Northern Knights get leather poisoning
An AFL father-son draft prospect suffered a second unlucky injury, while his Northern Knights teammates got leather poisoning in a big win.
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Northern Knights’ second win of the NAB League season was soured by an injury to a potential AFL father-son prospect on Saturday.
Cooper Harvey, son of North Melbourne legend Brent, suffered a suspected wrist injury in the 41-point victory over Calder Cannons in Craigieburn.
In his first game back from injury, the young midfielder fell heavily in the first quarter and did not return – the second time this season he’s injured his arm.
The setback opened the door for Josh Hamilton to move into the midfield and he racked up 37 disposals, eight marks, three tackles and a goal.
Best-on-ground standout Ben Ham and Jonathan Tomasiello both collected 34 touches as the Knights midfield ran rampant in the 10.16 (76) to 5.5 (35) triumph.
Ham – no relation to Essendon’s Brayden – was particularly impressive, taking seven marks and laying four tackles to go with 3.2.
“Ben was clearly best-on-ground, he’s been working towards a game like that with a really good month of footy,” Knights talent manager Nat Grindal said.
“He had his hands on the ball quite a lot and kicked three goals, so we were really pleased for him.
“He was in and out last season as a bottom-ager and playing in the backline but he’s stepped into the midfield this year and playing some really good footy as an inside-mid.
“When we’ve had byes he’s been going back to play senior footy at Greensborough and contributing really well there as well.”
Tomasiello finished with four marks and six tackles, five inside 50s and six rebound 50s in an all-round display, while Alek D’Arro picked up 30 touches as well.
The Knights’ Under-16 and Under-18 Vic Metro talent returned for the match.
Darcy Edmends, Sam Grant, Dane Harvey and Nate Caddy were all selected in Metro’s Under-18 National Championships squad.
Grindal has been particularly impressed by Grant’s development.
“Sam Grant is a 19-year-old that’s come back and is playing Vic Metro,” she said.
“He’d been playing ruck-forward and in a conversation with our coaches said he felt most comfortable as a defender.
“So we’ve played him as a key back this year and he’s playing some solid footy and was a strong contributor on the weekend.”
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Jack Brown was Calder’s best in defeat with 29 disposals, six marks and three tackles, while Matthew Foley, Reuben Rode (seven tackles) and Corey Barbaro (two goals) were also strong contributors.
Carlton father-son prospect Dane Whitnall finished with 16 disposals, while Jordan Croft (son of Bulldogs great Matthew) and Luca Alessio (son of Essendon’s Stephen) were quiet.
The NAB League has a competition bye this weekend with the Knights returning to action on July 23 against Bendigo Pioneers at Ikon Park.
The Cannons face a two-week break before a chance to bounce back against Tasmania in Kingston on July 30.
Originally published as Father-son AFL Draft prospect injured as Northern Knights get leather poisoning
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