By JARROD POTTER
THE final stretch of their junior careers is ahead of a group of Dandenong Stingrays’ TAC Cup players with the AFL National Draft only four days away.
The Dandenong Stingrays are well in the hunt to land a number of footballers into the AFL football universe, with highly scouted AIS-AFL Academy duo Tom Lamb and Daniel Capiron the best placed.
Just how well placed they are remains a mystery to Stingrays’ coach Craig Black, with the AFL clubs drawing a veil over their preferred targets in an extremely close and competitive draft class this year.
“This year out of any it’s been pretty quiet – everyone is keeping their cards close to their chest,” Black said.
“It’s tough as no one is giving any info away.
“Normally you hear something, but they’ve all been quiet – I’m probably seeing the same stuff as everyone with the phantom drafts.
“Because it’s so close… with some good players in there… the top six or seven will take care of themselves and after that is a need for what the clubs are looking for.”
Versatility and Tom Lamb are synonymous this season with the 192cm utility adept from centre-half-back, through the midfield, off a wing or deep forward where he clutched strong marks and booted a couple of big goal hauls. If he keeps his head in the game, Lamb is one of the most destructive players with his kicking and high-marking and should expect to hear his name called out sometime within the second round.
As part of a one-two punch up forward was co-captain Jack Lonie, the goal-sneak forward who can also mix it as well as the best in the midfield. Criticism about the livewire forward has only come from his height – but if clubs overlook his 145cm stature, they will find a strong marking and crumbing presence that will slot into most forward lines with ease.
Co-captain Daniel Capiron has been a dour defender and skilful ball user across his eight TAC Cup games this season, especially in his six Vic Country appearances.
Hard-running wingman/midfielder Bailey Dale, key position forward Aaron Wilson and hard-edged defender Mitch White also remain a chance to get their names called on Thursday night.
Narre Warren’s Toby McLean has also played himself into contention with the draft, after earning a TAC Cup premiership, grand final best-on-ground medal and an invite to the AFL National Draft Combine, held last month at Etihad Stadium.
The AFL National Draft takes place on Thursday from 6.30pm at the Gold Coast Convention Centre before the AFL Pre-Season and Rookie Drafts on Wednesday, 3 December.
