Van Dam makes Devils return amidst AFL interest

Oscar Van Dam will alternate his services between North Launceston and the Devils to keep himself in the AFL shop window after making a dynamic Coates Talent League return on Saturday.

Oscar Vandam, Devils Picture: Linda Higginson

Where Oscar Van Dam plays for the rest of the season will be weighed up week-to-week between North Launceston and the Devils after he made a dominant Coates Talent League return on Saturday.

Van Dam has been superb for the unbeaten Bombers thus far after make the transition as an inside midfielder, which has attracted some interest from AFL talent managers.

The 19-year-old is currently the joint leader of the TSL player of the year award, but has returned to the Devils to effectively put himself in the shop window for scouts.

He racked up 30 touches, 14 inside 50s and eight tackles in the Devils’ 13.15 (93) to 6.7 (43) win over Dandenong at Launceston.

“Clearly coming back to the fold with us there’s a little bit of interest there. We’ve got to make sure he’s strong throughout the year with his performances,” Devils coach Jeromey Webberley said.

“He’s been in such strong form in the TSL, he’s starting to get a little bit of interest. It was a chance for him on the weekend to continue with us, and North Launnie as well, to be viewed more essentially.

“He’s come in a few weeks into the year, so we’ll manage him through that in terms of key dates for North Launceston and Devils requirements. (Bombers coach) Adrian Smith and myself will manage that so the club still gets access to Oscar when they need him, but also gets a chance to play some Coates League.

“Oscar wants an opportunity with us, but also doesn’t want to let his teammates and the club down at North Launceston.

“It’s almost good grace and management between the two programs and Oscar. It’ll work itself out.”

Geordie Payne in action for the Young Guns against Vic Metro. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Blair Jackson

Webberley believes Van Dam can press for selection in the the AFL draft at the end of the year, while the mid-season draft will be held on May 29.

“He probably just didn’t have enough offensive impact on the league last year, but he’s gone back to the state league and has been outstanding as an inside mid,” Webberley said.

“He thoroughly deserves an opportunity as a 19 year old. Credit to Oscar for going back and getting himself in good form, and for North Launnie to give him a chance to get viewed at this level again is fantastic from them.

“He was a player last year who maybe didn’t get the kudos he deserved because of the top end talent we had.”

A Devil who continues to press for mid-season draft interest is north-west product Geordie Payne.

Payne, last year’s Devils player of the year, was again outstanding against Dandenong. Payne and Clarence product Max Maxpley played for the ‘Young Guns’, selected by AFL recruiters, against Victoria Metro and Victoria Country recently.

“Geordie I feel like is going to be pretty close (for mid season draft),” Webberley said.

“We’ve changed his role going up forward (after playing half-back last year), but has also played a fair chunk of inside mid.

“We feel like he can’t have done too much more, hopefully he’s around the mark in a couple of weeks.

“His flexibility is one of his strengths. He’s an elite contest and defensive player, he’s extremely aggressive, you feel like anywhere you put him he’s going to have an impact.

“With his athletic profile, he’s extremely powerful and we feel like there’s things that can cross over to AFL footy.

“When you watch Geordie play he stands out with how he goes about it. He’s a fantastic teammate and the energy of the group, he’s very much our spiritual leader.”

COATES TALENT LEAGUE

BOYS

DEVILS 3.6 6.8 10.12 13.15 (93) def DANDENONG 2.1 5.4 6.4 6.7 (43)

Devils best: Oliver Depaoli-Kubank, Oscar Van Dam, Dominic Pitt, Geordie Payne, Max Roney, Daniel Cooney

Devils goals: Daniel Cooney 3, Lenny Douglas 3, Emig French, Oliver Depaoli-Kubank, Max Mapley, Oliver Dean, Toby Callow, Geordie Payne, Liam Ling

GIRLS

DANDENONG 1.2 5.2 5.4 6.7 (43) def DEVILS 0.4 0.4 2.6 3.7 (25)

Devils best: Not provided

Dest goals: Not provided