NSW/ACT players perform at NAB National Draft Combine

Isaac Cumming runs with the ball as he completes the Goal Kicking Assessment during the NAB AFL Draft Combine at Etihad Stadium on October 07, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/AFL Media)

11 players from NSW/ACT travelled to Etihad Stadium last week to test in the 2016 NAB National Draft Combine.

The NAB AFL Draft Combine includes testing of athleticism and football skills, as well as assessing each player’s personality and character – all essential elements clubs consider in the drafting process. Players must be nominated by 5 or more clubs to receive an invite to the Draft combine.

The invitees include Isaac Cumming (Broken Hill), Harry Perryman (Collingullie), Ben Davis (UNSW), Sam Fisher (Ainsile), Kobe Mutch (Gol Gol), Will Setterfield (Albury), Ryan Garthwaite (Corowa-Rutherglen), Harrison Macreadie (Henty), Todd Marshall (Deniliquin), Zach Sproule (Albury) and Max Lynch (Albury).

AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan says “The Combine represents the final chance for players to present their case for inclusion on an AFL list.”

“AFL clubs have made their judgement on a prospect’s playing ability and game sense, but at the Combine they can look a little deeper into the physical, skill-based and intangible areas.”

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.

The physical tests include 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). Final score is out of a possible 30.

Isaac Cumming finished second out of the 81 other Combine attendees. AFL Draft Journalist Callum Twomey said “Medium defender Isaac Cumming was also impressive in this test, recording 26 points to be outright second.”

“Cumming is another Greater Western Sydney academy prospect having played with the Giants in the NEAFL.”

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). Final score is out of a possible 30.

Ryan Garthwaite finished equal first whilst Isaac Cumming second and Harry Perryman third.

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.

Ryan Garthwaite and Zach Sproule finished equal second in the Combine with a score of 25.

Other stand out test results were Isaac Cumming finishing seventh in the Combine for the agility test with a score of 8.29.

Max Lynch performed well at the standing vertical jump test making the ninth position with a score of 67cm.

Beep Test Results 
Isaac Cumming – Level 14
Harry Perryman – Level 14
Sam Fisher- Level 13
Ryan Garthwaite – Level 13
Zach Sproule – Level 13
Max Lynch – Level 13

Best 20m Sprint results 
Isaac Cumming – 2.96s
Ryan Garthwaite – 3.04s
Harry Perryman – 3.13s
Sam Fisher – 3.14s
Zach Sproule – 3.18
Kobe Mutch – 3.19
Max Lynch – 3.24

Ben Davis and Will Setterfield didn’t test due to injury.