Profile:
Age: 19
Height: 200cm
Weight: 81kg
Position: Ruckman
Recruited from: Claremont
Plays like:
Draft bio:
Much improved ruckman/tall forward who played as an overaged player for Western Australia in the 2019 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships, turning 19-years-old in late July. He grew in confidence as the year progressed and started dominating at Under-18 level with Claremont. He averaged 17.5 disposals and 4.9 marks in 10 games, including having 28 disposals and nine marks in an outstanding game against West Perth. He continued his rapid progression playing two Reserves games for his club, late in the year.
Under 18 Championships:
Games: 3
Disposals: 26
Hitouts: 5.3
Contested possessions: 4.7
Kicks: 4.3 (average)
Handballs: 4.3 (average)
Goals: 2
What he said:
“I just can’t believe it. This is amazing. I was in the lounge room at home with mum, dad and my sister and I was getting pretty nervous as the picks counted down. But I’m over the moon now to be in blue and gold. I just want to thank the Eagles for giving me this opportunity.
“About 12 mates were out the front in the car. I had no idea they were there and as soon as my name was called out they knocked on my door and started celebrating with me. There was a bit of screaming going on.”
“Growing up in Western Australia I’ve watched the club my whole life and they are such a well-respected club. I’m so grateful to be a part of the team now.”
“It’s been a pretty big year. I knew that this was going to be my bigger year because I was a late developer – and I’m still growing – but I tried to work as hard as I could and put my best foot forward for this year and it’s been amazing.”
“To play in the under 18s championship was a massive experience. You’re playing against the best kids in Australia and I learned a lot of guys like Deven Robertson and how he goes about it, because they’ve been in the state system for a while. To get that opportunity to play in the Colts again was amazing and I managed to pick up a premiership with the boys, which was unreal."
"I'm looking forward to meeting Nic Nat. I've watched him for many years and he's one of the best ruckmen in the comp, so it would be amazing to meet him and to work alongside him will be phenomenal."
"This was probably my first full year in the ruck and I'm still learning that ruck craft. Nic has been playing the position basically since he started playing footy, and the same goes for (Tom) Hickey and (Nathan) Vardy, so it will be amazing to get some tips off them about how they go about it. I'm just so eager to learn off them and see what they have to say."
"I'm a super competitive, agile ruckman that tries to get around the ground as much as I can. I can play most positions - I think I'm a versatile player - but I'm still tall and skinny, so I probably need to get in the gym and put on some size so I can fill out my body and reach my full capability."
