By JARROD POTTER
DRAFT day looms for the next crop of AFL footballers, with the Dandenong Stingrays hopeful of getting a number of players selected at Thursday’s AFL National Draft.
Dandenong had a great season collectively, snaring second spot and a grand final berth against the Eastern Ranges, but individual accolades were sparse, with very few players receiving AIS-AFL scholarships or securing a run for Vic Country in the National Championships.
Of the Stingrays’ cadre of talented players, all eyes have turned towards Dandenong’s premier pair – Billy Hartung and Zak Jones – with the pair unlikely to be left undrafted for very long.
Dandenong coach Craig Black believes Hartung and Jones rank among the best he’s ever seen and their results through the National Championships, TAC Cup and National Combine speak of their immense talent.
“Billy’s attitude to succeed is right up there, as you saw at the draft camp (Combine) he ran a 16.6 and set the record there and is probably one of the better kicks I’ve seen come through this program,” Black said.
“Lachie Whitfield (2012 number-one draft pick) was an outstanding kick and I think Billy has probably got a bit more penetration on his kick and he wants to succeed.
“Zak would probably be the most competitive kid I’ve seen in the four years I’ve been in the program.
“Especially as he didn’t play a game as a 17-year-old to winning the best player for Victoria Country and being All Australian – I think it goes to show how dedicated he was and wanted to work on his game. He was the first to training and always after feedback to improve.”
Black also believes players like James Harmes, Josh Pickess, Brady Egan, Jordan Bastinac and Dale Gawley could get their names read out at the draft or the National Rookie Draft later this month.
“I think Josh Pickess is there around the mark, maybe a Jordy Bastinac – they both show really good qualities,” Black said.
“Josh when he can run on to the footy, Jordy with his ball use is fantastic.
“Outside that maybe even a Dale Gawley – a young 18-year-old who can play a few positions and even a Brady Egan who came in as a 19-year-old and played well as a forward.”
The AFL National Draft will be televised on FOXTEL on Thursday.
