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Jack Riewoldt wants to make it by himself
His cousin Nick is one of the hottest properties in the AFL, but teenage sensation Jack Riewoldt wants to make it on his own. Despite Nick being a big star at St Kilda, Jack is beastly careless about being drafted by the Saints and following his cousin to the Melbourne-based club. "I just want to make my own career in the AFL. Hopefully I'll get the chance," Riewoldt said yesterday at the AFL draft camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. Jack doesn't even follow St Kilda like the rest of his family, who are passionate Sainters. "No, I'm not a Saints fan," he said. "I did follow them for the past couple of years but this year I've strayed away from them. I'm following individuals more than a club."
The Article James Bresnehan/TheMercury/05Oct06

Top prospects stand tall
Five players remain in contention to be chosen with Carlton's No. 1 draft choice next month, after this year's draft class lived up to its hype at the AFL draft camp in Canberra. None of the top contenders did anything to dampen their chances in the athletic tests, with the Blues expected to choose from onballers Bryce Gibbs and Joel Selwood, key-position prospects Lachlan Hansen and Scott Gumbleton, and Perth ruckman Matthew Leuenberger.
Draft Results & Article Emma Quayle/TheAge RealFooty/08Oct06

Draft dreams take more than a name
He has a familiar surname and a familiar dreadlocked hair-do. But for AFL draft hopeful Andrejs Everitt - the softly spoken younger brother of larrikin 252-game ruckman Peter 'Spida' Everitt - that is as far as the familiarities stretch . . . Seventeen-year-old Everitt junior, - 16 years younger than dual All Australian Peter - was among a handful of potential draftees at the AFL's three-day camp in Canberra this week who carried the added strain of a big last name. Robbie Tarrant, younger brother of Collingwood star forward Chris, and Joel Selwood, brother of Brisbane Lions second-year player Troy, join Everitt in the 2006 crop of AFL wannabes. Little-known West Coast Eagle Mitch Morton also has a younger brother, Jarryd, in the squad while Nathan Krakouer - a nephew to retired guns Phil and Jim - continues one of the most recognisable Aboriginal names in Australian football history.
The Article Scott Walsh/CanberraTimes/07Oct06

System fails Vic rising talent
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has pinpointed South Australia and Western Australia as the best breeding grounds for AFL footballers and, in the process, left Victorian powerbrokers to consider whether the system there is working. Clarkson, 38, a product of a Victorian system that is no longer, paid tribute to the set-up that produced so many greats in the old days of the VFL and suggested change and the downfall of the old system was at the root of the lack of success for Victorian clubs. Clarkson came back to South Australia to address an SANFL function at AAMI Stadium on Friday - ahead of today's Grand Final between Central District and Woodville-West Torrens. But his speech and his message had little to do with the SANFL and his successful career in South Australia, where he coached the Bulldogs to a flag before moving on to an assistant's role with Port Adelaide in the AFL and then headed to the Hawks.
The Article Jesper Fjeldstad/AdelaideAdvertiser/08Oct06

Tassie quintet tipped to be picked
Western Bulldogs' recruiting manager Scott Clayton believes all five Tasmanians at the AFL draft camp in Canberra this week would be drafted next month. That included 17-year-old Mariner Tom Collier, the third-youngest player at the camp despite being eligible again next year. Clayton, a former Tasmanian, has been an AFL recruiting officer for the past 16 years with Brisbane and now the Bulldogs. He believes Mitch Thorp (Northern Bombers) and Jack Riewoldt (Clarence) could go in the first round, Tom Hislop (Burnie) and Colin Garland (North Hobart) would go in the second round, and Collier's height in defence would get him picked up.
The Article James Bresnehan/TheMercury/06Oct06
One-stop shop for talent James Bresnehan/TheMercury/06Oct06
Burnie's Tom Hislop only NW Coaster at Camp (Tasmania) TheAdvocate/06Oct06

No draft for NSW - again
Not one NSW junior footballer was among the 72 invitees to this week's draft camp in Canberra . . . Roos was in Canberra yesterday with an army of senior coaches, assistants and recruiting officers to assess this year's blue chip prospects at the three-day camp.
The Article SundayTelegraph/06Oct06

Draft kids dynamite
It's the national draft that recruiters have been talking about since well before Marc Murphy's name was read out at No. 1 last year. And after three days of prodding, measuring, testing and interviews at the draft camp, little has changed the view of this year's crop of budding AFL stars. It's a gem. The popular view of this year's group is that it's the best since the famous 2001 draft that produced Luke Hodge, Luke Ball and Brownlow medallist Chris Judd. "If we wavered towards thinking it wasn't the best (since 2001), I think we'll walk away from this thinking it's pretty close to the best," Melbourne recruiting manager Craig Cameron said. This year's class boasts standout talent at the top, a string of quality talls and the depth to ensure there will be prizes well beyond the first round.
The Article Rebecca Williams/HeraldSun/07Oct06

Your club's draft picks . . . St Kilda 9, 27, 43, 59
The Article HeraldSun/07Oct06

Smith finds a painful new way to impress at AFL draft camp
Former Caloundra Panthers junior Chris Smith certainly knows how to catch someone's attention. Smith ensured he caught the eye of every AFL club talent scout present at the 2006 AFL draft camp in Canberra last week by spectacularly crashing into an interchange box while taking a mark during the skills testing session on the final day. Smith ploughed into an interchange box that was too close to the boundary line while taking a mark, injuring his knee and forcing him to finish the camp on crutches . . . The 18-year-old is hopeful he has not done any major damage to his knee. "St Kilda sent their physio into the room straight away and he doesn't think I have suffered any ligament damage," Smith said . . . Ironically, the player who kicked the ball to Smith for the fateful mark was fellow Caloundra junior and AFL draft hopeful, Daniel Dzufer . . . Smith met with Hawthorn, Geelong, St Kilda, Port Adelaide and Sydney, while Dzufer had chats with Geelong, Hawthorn, Carlton and Port Adelaide. Dzufer has also been in contact with a number of other clubs who have monitored his progress since last year's draft camp.
The Article Mitchell Dale/sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/10Oct06

GO BACK UP

Tarrant the younger a mystery to some
. . . Many of the recruiters have never seen Robbie play, although at least four requested he be invited to draft camp, and John Beveridge can understand why. "It's fair to say he can take a mark and kick a few goals here and there," said the St Kilda recruiting manager, who saw Tarrant play one of his practice matches. "He certainly kicks the ball quite well and he's a nice size, so all those things considered, he looks like a capable key forward. How capable, I'm not sure. We'll have to do our research."
The Article Emma Quayle/TheAge RealFooty/06Oct06

The Draft results are in
2006 NAB AFL Draft Camp results - Top 10 fitness results
The Article AFL/saints.com.au/06Oct06

DRAFT CAMP - 'The interview'
. . . Dishing out the questions were the coach, director of football, football manager and recruiting manager. The player interviewed is certain to be drafted and has been touted as a top 20 selection. Although the names of all concerned have not been revealed, it is a fascinating insight into what an AFL prospect is put through by an AFL club. The following is an edited transcript of an interview, which lasted for around 30 minutes that took place on Thursday afternoon. We thank the participants for allowing us access into the session. The Interview . . .
The Article Matt Burgan/saints.com.au/06Oct06
Sellar in the background (Key Glenelg forward James Sellar) Matt Burgan/saints.com.au/06Oct06
Another Krakouer stands out at draft camp ABCSport/06Oct06

• AFL Trade Articles afl.com.au

AFL DRAFT CAMP SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY
Fitness assessment (sprint, agility, vertical leap); transition to AFL session; beep test; interviews with clubs.
FRIDAY
Skills session at Manuka Oval; interviews; 3km time-trial.
THE HOT PROSPECTS
Bryce Gibbs (SA); Lachlan Hansen (Vic Country); Scott Gumbleton (WA); Matthew Leuenberger (WA); Joel Selwood (Vic Country); David Armitage (Qld); James Sellar (SA).
Camp welcome; fitness assessment; psycho-motor tests; psychological screening; interviews with AFL clubs.

Top prospect a stayer
Carlton, Essendon and Kangaroos fans need not fear. Bryce Gibbs has no plans to abandon the club that calls his name at next month's national draft. While Adelaide has pledged to get the South Australian home as soon as possible, Gibbs said yesterday he was willing to play football anywhere, and would consider the club that chose him a long-term home.
The Article Emma Quayle/TheAge RealFooty/05Oct06

Gibbs to commit
South Australian prodigy Bryce Gibbs says he hopes to remain at a club long-term no matter where he ends up in November's national draft. As a potential No. 1 draft pick, Gibbs is set to join Carlton, Essendon or the Kangaroos, but Adelaide has said it won't give up on one day snaring the young gun. The Crows had hoped to secure the midfielder under the father-son rule, but did not meet the eligibility criteria. Gibbs' father Ross played 253 games for Glenelg, but had not played 200 when the Crows joined the AFL in 1991. Under AFL rules, all draftees must sign a minimum two-year contract, after which the Crows could pounce on Gibbs.
The Article Rebecca Williams/AdelaideAdvertiser/05Oct06
Crows told to 'please explain' Michelangelo Rucci/AdelaideAdvertiser/04Oct06

Not so fast: when footy and faith collide
Bachar Houli has two big passions, and has always known they would one day collide. He's intensely proud of his Islamic upbringing, and has spent the past 10 days fasting, as part of Ramadan, the month of prayer, reflection, self-control and sacrifice. His other passion is football. Houli, 17, is one of 72 players in Canberra for this week's AFL draft camp. If he is selected by one of the clubs, he hopes to became the first Muslim to play at the AFL's top level.
The Article Emma Quayle/SydneyMorningHerald/05Oct06
AFL dream rests on leap of faith Chloe Saltau/The Age/WestAustralian/05Oct06

Eade pumps up prospective draftees
Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says the professionalism of youngsters at the annual AFL draft camp increases every year. Eade, along with many of his AFL coaching colleagues, are at this week's camp to watch 72 of the most talented prospective draftees being put to the test at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). "They have been through AIS programs before and they're fully aware of what is expected of them," Eade told AAP today. "You see them walking around from (training) station to station with their own water bottles. They're preparing well, even a lot of the guys here have bought new shoes so they don't slip."
The Article AAP/TheAge RealFooty/05Oct06

Emma Quayle reports: Probable No.1 pick Bryce Gibbs has no plans to abandon the club that calls his name at next month's national draft. While Adelaide has pledged to get the South Australian home as soon as possible, Gibbs said yesterday he was willing to play football anywhere. "They're saying I might come home in two years, there's been something going on about that, but I'm a pretty loyal person and I'm happy to put on a guernsey wherever and have a good crack at it," he said.
The report (attachment to unrelated article) SydneyMorningHerald/05Sept06

New tests to find the happy campers
Draft prospects will be given a more rigorous job interview than ever at this week's annual camp, with a new sprint test and three new psychological evaluations to give clubs more information on their AFL potential. The repetitive sprint test will require players to run 30m six times, with a 20-second break each time. The first test of the psychological tests looks at the player's ability to manage pressure, make sense of confusing situations and respond to pressure while sticking to team rules, while the second looks for their "emotional intelligence" and gives an idea of their "personal, emotional and social competencies". The third profiles a player's personal strength, which might help tell clubs how a potential draftee will respond to criticism, manage negative emotions, handle making mistakes and fit in with his new teammates.
The Article TheAge/WestAustralian/04Oct06

Young talent's times get more testing
Draft prospects will be given a more rigorous job interview than ever at this week's annual draft camp, with a new sprint test and three new psychological evaluations to give clubs extra information on their AFL potential. A repetitive sprint test - where players run 30-metres six times, with a 20-second break - has been introduced, and the AFL willtry out the three written, multiple-choice psych tests. The first test looks at the players' ability to manage pressure, make sense of confusing situations and respond to pressure while sticking to team rules; the second looks for "emotional intelligence" and their "personal, emotional and social competencies"; the third is designed to help clubs assess how a potential draftee would respond to criticism, manage negative emotions, handle mistakes and fit in with teammates.
The Article Emma Quayle/TheAge RealFooty/04Oct06
A rookie Western Australian we looked at . . . 'stinger' et al/saintsational.com
Scouting from the West 'Truth Personified' bigfooty.com

Kelly looks the goods, but not like his brother
Fremantle star Heath Black could be joined in the AFL next season by his half-brother, who had a best-on-ground performance in the TAC Cup grand final last Saturday. Oakleigh Chargers captain Dean Kelly may have a different surname but with 22 disposals, seven marks and 6.1 in the grand final win over Calder Cannons, he made sure recruiting officers wouldn't forget him on draft day. Black and Kelly are very different. Kelly has light hair while Black's is dark. The Docker is a speedy wingman with a raking left-foot kick, Kelly is a nuggety right-footed ball winner who takes contested marks. The pair have different fathers and a nine-year age difference. While Black was always destined to be drafted, Kelly has had to work harder. Despite winning Oakleigh's best and fairest last year and representing Victoria at the under-18 national titles this season, he hasn't been invited to the AFL draft camp. He will get the chance to impress at the state screenings later this month.
The Article Craig O'Donoghue/TheAge RealFooty/04Oct06

New link in Selwood chain
The Selwood name is fast rising to AFL prominence. Joel Selwood, 18, the younger brother of twins Troy (Brisbane Lions) and premiership-winning defender Adam (West Coast), has recruiters excited. Selwood starred at last year's national under-18 carnival, winning All-Australian selection, despite being too young for the draft. He had knee surgery soon after and needed more season-ending surgery after just three games with TAC Cup side Bendigo Pioneers this season.
The Article David Hastie/HeraldSun/04Oct06
Council money for Kangaroos, Richmond & Carlton Damian Barrett/HeraldSun/04Oct06
Silvagni turns his back on the Tigers Caroline Wilson/TheAge RealFooty/04Oct06

Cream of bumper crop gets key tests
The AFL's national development manager Kevin Sheehan believes that the 2006 AFL draft has the potential to be one of the best ever . . . . The players that Sheehan saw as likely top-three draft picks come from traditional AFL areas although he singled out Queensland as a rapid growth market in terms of producing elite AFL talent. "However the talk is about Adelaide youngster Bryce Gibbs, from Glenelg, who has played two years of senior football in the SANFL and has taken all before him at that level," he said. "Then there's a kid called Scott Gumbleton from Western Australia, a key forward and also from WA a ruckman named Matthew Leuenberger, they're some of the boys being talked about - as well as Lachlan Hansen from Victoria."
The Article Sam Worthington/CanberraTimes/04Oct06

The cream of the crop
NAB AFL U18 Championships
HB: David Armitage (QLD), Lachlan Hansen (Vic C), Ricky Petterd (QLD)
C: Daniel Connors (Vic C), Garry Moss (WA), Shaun Grigg (Vic C)
HF: Leroy Jetta (WA), Scott Gumbleton (WA), Daniel Dzufer (QLD)
F: Tom Hislop (TAS), Tom Hawkins (Vic M), Tom Hurley (SA)
Foll: Matthew Leuenberger (WA), Bryce Gibbs (SA), Leigh Adams (Vic M)
I/C: Craig Bird (NSW/ACT), Nathan Djerrkura (NT), Jarryd Allen (Vic M), Robert Eddy (Vic C)
Coach: David Dickson - Victoria Metropolitan - Assistant coach: Craig McRae - Queensland
Article and player details Kevin Sheehan/afl.com.au/02Oct06

The super draft
Five years ago, two teams of young footballers played a game on the MCG. Luke Ball fired long, strong handballs out of the centre square. Sam Power swept across the half-back line, Brent Reilly kicked three goals from a wing and Charlie Gardiner grabbed James Kelly's kicks, as an injured Chris Judd watched on. The other team had some handy players, too. Jimmy Bartel and Mark McGough bundled balls out to Nick Dal Santo, who cruised down a wing and kicked cleanly to a clever Steve Johnson. Rick Ladson conjured up two goals, Brent Moloney bustled around, and Gary Ablett showed off his neat little sidesteps, but found Campbell Brown hard to get around.
The Article Emma Quayle/TheAge Real Footy/01Oct06

TAC Cup: Chargers primed for Draft
The AFL draft door has been left ajar for three of Saturday's best players in Oakleigh's come-from-behind TAC Cup grand final win at the MCG. Chargers trio Nathan Batsanis, Dean Kelly and ruckman Todd Goldstein have been invited to a state screening next Saturday. All three, who starred in the 27-point win against Calder Cannons, were overlooked for the AFL's national draft camp to be held at the AIS in Canberra. Of those tested in state screenings last year, 10 went on to be drafted, including Melbourne tagger Clint Bartram, taken at No. 53, who played all 22 home-and-away games for the Demons. The AFL will test another 120 draft hopefuls around Australia in state screenings.
The Article David Hastie/HeraldSun/02Oct06
TAC Cup: Chargers triumph David Hastie/HeraldSun/01Oct06
Skipper's haul leads Oakleigh to first flag Emma Quayle/TheAge RealFooty/01Oct06

Unlucky Dawes hopes for a draft break
Exciting key position prospect Chris Dawes will limp into this week's draft camp burdened by the cruel reality he is out for the entire 2007 season. Dawes, once rated a possible first-round pick, had a knee reconstruction three weeks ago after a mishap in the last home-and-away game of the TAC Cup.
The Article Mark Stevens/HeraldSun/03Oct06

Young talent on show
Some of the country's finest young talent will be on show at MC Labour Park on Thursday when the third annual clash between Victoria and The Allies Under-18s will be held as part of the Grand Final week festivities. Much of the aim of this match is to provide players from both teams an extra opportunity to increase their draft prospects. For AFL club recruiters it will be an important day as they too will further gain an insight into a significant talent base. All-Australian players Daniel Dzufer (Queensland), Nathan Djerrkura (Northern Territory) and Craig Bird (NSW/ACT) are set to line-up for The Allies who will have a number of other key players to keep an eye on . . . Tasmanian duo Jack Riewoldt (the cousin of St Kilda superstar Nick) and Tim Mohr; Northern Territory's Jethro Calma-Holt, Patrick Fittock and Trevor Oliver and New South Wales' Matt Suckling will also be worth watching.
The Article Matt Burgan/Sportal/saints.com.au/27Sep06
Allies Vs Vic - Report 'SaintBot' saintsational.com
Dogs need tall timber Scott Gullan/HeraldSun/03Oct06
Power has final attempt at Mackie Michelangelo Rucci/AdelaideAdvertiser/03Oct06

John Beveridge 'Bevo' Image source: saints.com.au Saints trade without coach . . . The list management committee believes it has the personnel to make the right decisions about the list. That group will include the four assistant coaches already in place, along with recruiting manager John Beveridge, board member Mark Kellett and (Archie) Fraser. The Article Jon Ralpah and Jon Pierik/HeraldSun/24Sept06 Top pick still wide open . . . St Kilda recruiting manager John Beveridge agreed the top players were hard to separate. "I don't know how Carlton are tracking or what they're deciding to do, but I think Gibbs, young Hansen from Gippsland, Gumbleton and Leuenberger have been mentioned fairly consistently as the top four," Beveridge said. " It's a good group, but it's not an easy group to rate because it seems to be pretty even." The Article Rebecca Williams/HeraldSun/07Oct06