Clubs impressed by Callow and Co ahead of mid-season draft

Overlooked in the national and then the rookie draft, it could be third time lucky for a handful of talented Tasmanian footballers.

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A STARTLING game against AFL listed players has put Tasmanian Jackson Callow on clubs’ radars ahead of the mid-season draft.

And the guru of the AFL’s top talent Kevin Sheehan evaluators says Callow and fellow Tasmanians Oliver Davis and Sam Collins are all in contention to be picked up in the AFL’s mid-season draft.

Callow has put in several eye-catching performances in the SANFL for Norwood, including booting 3.7 from 11 marks (seven contested) and 24 disposals against several AFL-listed opponents at the weekend.

One AFL club’s list manager, who did not wish to be named, said it was an impressive performance.

“I did see the game, he was very good,” the list manager said.

“His contested marking was terrific. He should have kicked six easily.

“He’s clearly got himself fit, which is good. He’s obviously worked hard, so good on him.

“He was very good, I’m sure it should give him a chance but it doesn’t give you any sort of guarantee.

He’s done well and he’s had a terrific start to the season.”

Davis was not far behind, with 26 touches, nine tackles and seven clearances in his debut for the Crows.

Devils Oliver Davis. Picture: Anthony Corke

Sheehan, the AFL’s talent ambassador, said the trio would be in contention but poured some cold water on the hype of being picked up by an AFL club on June 2.

“We just don’t really know the number of players that will be taken,” Sheehan said.

“There’s 500 nominations and clubs doing their homework on them but no (clubs) declaring what they’re going to do.”

Sheehan said the national draft later this year was still the major pathway for Callow, Collins (Oakleigh Chargers) and Ollie Davis (Adelaide Crows, SANFL) into the AFL.

“They’ve all got definite AFL traits but through the Covid year that we had last year didn’t get a chance to show their wares,” Sheehan said.

“The mid-season draft is very different to a national draft where clubs will commit to 50, 60 or 70 players.

“Some might look at someone who can help them this year and play in the next fortnight if they have an immediate need.

“We’re all working a little in the dark.”

Sheehan said former Burnie Docker and St Kilda player Eli Templeton, who has racked up several 40-possession games for Port Melbourne in the VFL, would be very attractive to clubs looking for a ready-made midfielder.

“When you’re getting over 40 possessions against (AFL) listed players surely the clubs will look and consider them,” Sheehan said.

“The (clubs) would have had that conversation no doubt. They’ve played against Eli.

“He’s been playing at a high level and has got to be in the conversation.”