AFL mid-season draft: Country young guns in mix for call up

With the mid-season draft around the corner, AFL talent guru Kevin “Shifter” Sheahan nominates country young guns in the mix.

David Johnston

2 min read

May 27, 2022 - 11:14AM

The Weekly Times

AFL clubs are hunting for the next “diamond in the rough” after Jai Newcombe’s meteoric rise from playing at country club Poowong to being favourite for the Rising Star award this season after cementing his spot in Hawthorn’s line-up.

Newcombe, who was denied the chance to prove his talent at NAB League under-18 level with Gippsland Power due to two years of Covid interruptions, was taken in last year’s mid-season draft by the Hawks after coming onto their radar via VFL affiliate Box Hill.

AFL talent manger Kevin Sheahan.

AFL national talent manager Kevin Sheahan said the mid-season draft, on next Wednesday, was fast becoming a reliable source of ready-made players with Newcombe a prime example of the talent available.

“He didn’t play for Gippsland Power because everything was locked down,” Sheahan said.

“All of a sudden he has bobbed up at Box Hill and Sam Mitchell was that impressed with him they took him in the mid-season draft last year.

Jai Newcombe fires off a handball in front of Brisbane Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

“He played some terrific games last year, but is now favourite for the Rising Star Award.

“It’s the old diamond in the rough sort of thing.”

Sheahan has identified some of the contenders for this year’s mid-season draft who began their careers playing for country clubs.

OSKAR FAULKHEAD (Wentworth, Bendigo Pioneers)

Oskar Faulkhead playing for Geelong VFL. Picture: Kelly Defina/AFL Photos

“He showed promise last year, but has started to put it together now. Has been a star in the Young Guns series in recent weeks. Definitely a leading contender.”

TOBY MURRAY (Henty, Murray Bushrangers)

Toby Murray played for Collingwood VFL team against the AFL Academy. Picture: Kelly Defina/AFL Photos/Getty Images

“His brother Nick is at Adelaide and another brother Sam played at Collingwood. He had a game for Collingwood’s VFL team at the weekend against the Australia under-18 team and did some very good things in that game.”

FLETCHER HART (Albury, Murray Bushrangers)

Fletcher Hart, left, made an impression in the recent Young Guns series. Picture: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

“A 200cm forward who has had some good games this year.”

HARVEY GALLAGHER (Sandhurst, Bendigo Pioneers)

Harvey Gallagher caught the eye playing for the Young Guns team. Picture: Mike Owen/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

“Kicked five goals in the first Young Guns game and then got injured in the next one. He is still on the improve as a player.”

JAMIESON BALLANTYNE (Portland, Greater Western Vic Rebels)

Jamieson Ballantyne from Greater Western Victoria Rebels. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/Getty Images

“A great runner, great athlete, who has played well in the Young Guns games. Kicked three goals in one of them playing as wingman, half-forward. Those types of boys are always around the mark.”