The aspirations of Dandenong Stingrays Jarrad Grant (above), Scott Simpson (top right) and Steven Gaertner (bottom right) will be on the line at Saturday’s AFL National Draft.By Paul Pickering
AN elite trio of Dandenong Stingrays is set to be released into the waters of the Australian Football League this weekend as the 2007 National Draft plays out at the Telstra Dome.
With more than a dozen of this year’s Stingrays squad nominating for the draft, Saturday will be D-Day for the region’s young football hopefuls.
Stingrays regional manager Darren Flanigan this week touted Vic Metro representatives Jarrad Grant, Scott Simpson and Steven Gaertner as possible first-round selections.
Grant has been tipped to go high as number five, with the Western Bulldogs showing particular interest in the gifted Mount Eliza teenager.
While Flanigan conceded that Grant’s lanky frame – at 192cm and just 77kg – could see him slip deeper into the first round, he said the sure-handed forward was a rare talent.
“His ability to get it and give off to people that most wouldn’t even see is impressive,” Flanigan said.
“But he has a long way to go as far as physical development goes, (because) at this stage he’s not strong enough to be a key position player.”
Flanigan drew comparisons between Grant and former Stingray Andrejs Everitt, who showed glimpses of brilliance in his rookie season with the Bulldogs this year.
According to Flanigan, the two are blessed with similar versatility, and Grant is also expected to play senior footy in his first year.
Another likely prospect is Stingray man-child Scott Simpson.
At 195cm and 95kg, Simpson is a legitimate key position player who was selected in the 2007 TAC Cup Team of the Year.
“He’s your real hit-up centre half forward and he has an enormous endurance base,” Flanigan said.
“He’s a self-made player, he works his arse off.
“All indications are that he’ll go – probably late first or early second round.”
For Flanigan, the wildcard of the draft might be 17-year-old Gaertner.
The former Australian under 16 representative was the Stingrays’ swingman this season, starring at full-back, full-forward and everywhere between.
“He’s athletic and physically outstanding at 197cm,” Flanigan said.
As a bottom-age player, Gaertner could conceivably return to Dandenong next season, but the Stingrays staff will not be holding their breath.
Flanigan also flagged John McCarthy and Jarrad Boumann as possible late selections or rookie list candidates.
Given that the Stingrays finished the 2007 campaign in 10th spot, Flanigan said the number of elite juniors to come through the program was encouraging.
“Winning is one thing, but we’re judged more on the development of the whole list,” he said.
“To have so many guys of draftable quality is a real feather in our cap.”
The AFL National Draft will be broadcast live on SEN 1116AM from 10am.
