NSW youngsters hoping for Rookie spots

By Alison Zell

Several young NSW footballers have begun pre-season training with the Sydney Swans and the GWS GIANTS in the hope of securing a spot on an AFL list in next month’s Rookie Draft.

Brandon Jack, QBE Sydney Swans Academy member and younger brother of Swans star Kieren, played several games for the Swans reserves this season and will be hoping to follow in his older brother’s Premiership-winning footsteps.

The 18-year-old Pennant Hills Demon started playing AFL with feeder club Westbrook just three years ago but has progressed quickly, playing in the NSW/ACT under 18s side this year and fitted in nine appearances for the Demons in the AFL Sydney Premier Division.

At 182cm and 75kg, he has a build naturally suited to AFL, and impressed at the NAB AFL Draft Combine state testing, recording a time of 2.94 seconds for the 20 metre sprint.

After being overlooked at the Draft for the second year in a row, another Swans player’s brother is also training with the 2012 AFL Premiers.

Xavier Richards, brother of All Australian defender Ted, is in Sydney from his home state of Victoria to try and kick start his AFL dream.

A defender like his brother, 19-year-old Richards stands at 194cm tall and represented Vic Metro in three games at the Under-18 Championships this year as well as playing for his school, Xavier College, and for the Sandringham Dragons.

He impressed recruiters while playing on explosive new Swans draftee Tim Membrey in the TAC Cup competition, with his athleticism and agility a feature of his game.

Also joining Jack and Richards at the Swans’ pre-season training are local AFL Sydney players Dane Rampe and Sam Naismith.

Rampe was the 2012 Phelan Medallist, winning AFL Sydney’s Best and Fairest award after an outstanding season with the UNSW/Eastern Suburbs Bulldogs and also taking home the Howarth Trophy for representative player of the year.

The 22-year-old midfielder from Clovelly has previously completed a pre-season at the Western Bulldogs and played with their VFL affiliated side for two seasons but is hoping to become the next Sydneysider on the Swans’ list.

At 208cm, Naismith caught the eye of Swans recruiters while playing football in his hometown of Gunnedah in northern NSW, and moved to Sydney after being selected for the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.

Playing for the North Shore Bombers in the AFL Sydney competition, Naismith also lined up for the Sydney Swans reserves several times in 2012. The 19 year-old has already spent this season training weekly with Swans ruckmen Shane Mumford and Mike Pyke under the guidance of Swans ruck coach Steve Taubert.

Greater Western Sydney have also backed NSW talent with utility Joseph Redfern and midfielder Zac Williams invited to train with the GIANTS.

18–year-old Redfern moved to Sydney from Wagga Wagga 12 months ago and trained with the GIANTS Academy and Sydney Hills Eagles during the 2012 season.

He played one match for the Eagles in the AFL Sydney competition between NSW/ACT Under–18s commitments and lining up for the GIANTS’ reserves side in the NEAFL.

Narrandera’s Zac Williams impressed playing for the NSW/ACT RAMS in the National Championships, winning their Most Valuable Player award.

A medium-sized midfielder and defender who is very strong through his body, 18 year-old Williams was the only New South Welshman invited to attend this year’s NAB AFL Draft Combine.

200cm ruckman Dean Robertson from the North Ballarat Rebels has also been invited to train with the GIANTS.

The NAB AFL Rookie Draft will be held on December 11 in Melbourne.