NSW/ACT eight begin AFL National Draft Combine tests
Leeton's Jacob Hopper could fill the shoes of former GIANT Adam Treloar. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media)
The NAB AFL Draft National Combine begins in Melbourne on October 8th and will give some of the country’s best young footballers their last chance to showcase their talents before the Draft.
This year will see eight NSW/ACT players head to Etihad Stadium in the hopes of securing their spot on an AFL list for next season.
That list includes Jock Cornell (Mangoplah-CUE), Matthew Flynn (Narrandera), Harrison Himmelberg (Eastlake/Mangoplah-CUE), Jacob Hopper (North Ballarat/Leeton-Whitton), Matthew Kennedy (Collingullie-GP), Callum Mills (North Shore) and Lachlan Tiziani (Murray Bushrangers/Albury) and Nicholas Coughlan (Albury).
Attendees to the combine will be subjected to a range of physical and mental tests ahead of the National Draft on November 22nd.
Some of the physical tests the players complete include the standing vertical jump, running vertical jump, 20-metre sprint, agility test, 6x30m repeat sprint, beep test and the 3km time-trial.
Attendees will also complete the following skills tests:
Nathan Buckley Kicking Test
Players must kick towards 6 different targets, three on each foot, with each kick receiving a rating between 0 (fail) and 5 (excellent).
Matthew Lloyd Clean Hands Test
Players must handball towards 6 different targets, three on each side of their body, with each handpass receiving a rating between 0 (fail) and 5 (excellent).
Brad Johnson Goal Kicking Test
Players have 5 shots at goal comprised of two set shots, a running shot and a snap off each foot. The ball must pass through the goals over 2.5m high for it to count as a goal.
Players also undergo an extensive range of physical, medical and psychological tests.
Along with this clubs are given the opportunity to meet with players ahead of potentially selecting them in the NAB AFL Draft.
Follow all the action from the combine here.
