NSW/ACT out to impress
By Jack McAnespie
In their return season to the TAC Cup, the NSW/ACT Rams have continued to develop and build in confidence, despite amassing only a single victory in the top tier junior competition.
The Rams built on a number of positive performances over the opening four matches of their TAC Cup campaign, toppling Victorian powerhouse, Calder at Blacktown International Sportspark.
This dominant victory has provided the necessary momentum for NSW/ACT, as they look towards Round 1 of the National Championships this weekend.
The selected side has come up against some of Victoria’s best junior players throughout the TAC Cup competition, but now face a Northern Territory side brimming with talent and enthusiasm.
However, the NSW/ACT squad is not without it’s own set of talented youngsters, many of whom will be looking to impress AFL Talent scouts ahead of the National Draft, come the end of the year.
After a number of dominant performances at both TAC Cup, and Swans Reserves level, Isaac Heeney and Abe Davis have excited many within the Sydney ranks.
There is no denying the presence that these two players have displayed on field, whilst surrounded by State and AFL-listed players, and it has excited their coaches, and talent scouts alike.
Heeney, who has been predicted as a star of the future, is thought to be a first round draft pick, come the National Draft at the end of this year. Similarly for Heeney’s counterpart, Abe Davis has shown his ability and preparedness to win the ball in the air, as well as on the ground.
Maroubra junior Jordan Foote has also come to the fore throughout the Rams’ TAC Cup matches; regularly finding himself in the side’s best, along with his selection in the Swans Reserves’ side a number of times this season.
Following a number of solid on field performances throughout the TAC Cup competition, Jack Steele put his hand up as a genuine draft contender on the weekend against Calder.
In a best on ground performance, Steele amassed 38 possessions playing through the midfield. His eight clearance, nine take tackle, 15 mark and three goal effort was simply outstanding, and sees the Belconnen junior hit his straps coming into the all important National Championships.
NSW/ACT will be looking to make it two wins on the trot, as they face the Northern Territory in Round 1 of the National Championships at Blacktown International Sportspark this Saturday, June 21. The first bounce is at 12:50pm.
Speaking on the AFL Website’s Road to the Draft podcast, Heeney said he felt his team were a strong chance of posting a win this weekend.
“It’s looking really good,” Heeney said.
“We’re a pretty strong team at the moment and hopefully we can get on the track this week and get some good training in and just bond together really nicely and show what we’ve got against the Northern Territory.”
While the talented midfielder has been the most consistent performer this year for the Rams, Heeney said there were a number of Swans Academy players who he expected would make their mark in this year’s Championships.
“There will be one big fella to look out for in big Abe Davis,” he said.
“He’ll be up forward but can cruise down back as well.
“He can take big marks and can kick a bag of goals like he did last weekend, where he kicked five (in the TAC Cup win over Calder Cannons).
“Another one is Jordan Foote running through the middle.
“He’s just got elite endurance and he doesn’t stop going all day.”
To listen to the full podcast visit: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-06-19/road-to-the-draft?utm_medium=RSS
