The AFL has its Rising Star award. That’s all well and good. It’s for ‘rookies’ in the big time. Sort of, because we DO have a ‘sub category’ of listed players actually secured via the ‘Rookie draft’ and placed on each clubs’ ‘Rookie list’.
The rookie draft is an interesting beast.
It’s been used for International Rookies, most notably from Ireland, but now too for a Canadian and a lad from PNG.
The rookie draft has been used for the back door entry of NSW scholarship kids, especially in the case of Craig Bird at Sydney.
It’s been used as a ‘nursery’ for injured youngsters. It’s also been a chance for young men who may otherwise have missed the boat on an AFL career.
Shining examples include Dean Cox, Aaron Sandilands, Brett Kirk and Max Rooke.
So from the Rookie Draft of 2008, we saw a couple of standouts for The Roar AFL Rookie of the year.
The contenders:
Zac Dawson, a recycled rookie having been delisted by Hawthorn. Rookie listed by St Kilda, he accepted the challenge and managed 23 games for the season including playing on the last Saturday in September.
Liam Picken at the Western Bulldogs. With the baggage (good or bad) of his surname and family heritage, he has found his way into a meaner looking Doggies line up that went within a kick or two of playing off in a Grand Final. He also managed 23 games.
Robin Nahas from Richmond. He quickly took his jockey-sized attributes to the attention of firstly Richmond supporters, with his goal kicking abilities and nippy-zippy play, and then Andrew Demetriou on Brownlow night.
19 games was a fine return in an otherwise bleak year at Punt Rd.
Freo provide a double of Greg Broughton with 15 games and Matthew De Boer with 17 games. Coming from Freo, I know all about these lads.
Broughton came as a ‘mature age’ (22-23 yr old) recruit from Subiaco out of the WAFL. De Boer turned 19 this year and also came from the WAFL via Claremont.
Other highlighted Rookies include Irishman Michael Quinn at Essendon, Canadian Mike Pyke up in Sydney and young Jeff Garlett with the Blues.
So who wins the 2009 The Roar AFL Rookie of the year? That’s up to you.
davelee
Guest
its not a bad idea michael, but i just dont see the need for it. we've already got the rising star and if good enough, these guys can win it. maybe the rising star rules should be changed. i think broughton couldnt be nominated cos he was over 21 or something. surely you can still be a star on the rise at 22 or 23?
Redb
Roar Guru
Ahh Seaby, I knew there was a second ruckmen brought in which spiked the Pyke enquiry.
Michael C
Roar Guru
He's on the Swans fully updated "Senior List", i.e. fully updated with Seaby et on it too. And there's still 4 rookies listed including Orreal. So, full credit to him for being elevated.
ManInBlack
Guest
The Swans website has a fully updated senior team list. Mike Pyke appears on the senior list (along with Seaby, etc), and NOT on the Rookie list (where still there is Orreal etc). Implies he's been elevated to the full senior list. Congratulations to Mike Pyke, the first fully listed Canadian. Given most might have predicted this time last year that he be most likely still on the rookie list for 2010 and looking to perhaps debut in 2010 or just add to a token 1 or 2 games from 2009,....he's done a great job. And with Roos and Longmire looking on - his attitude MUST be great.
bever fever
Guest
Not since he slipped up.
Redb
Roar Guru
With Mumford going to Sydney to replace Jolly - anyone know the status of international rookie Mike Pyke - Has anyone see Mike Pyke?
Michael C
Roar Guru
Brett Kirk is the ultimate example, didn't debut until age 22 (+ 286 days). Think how poorer the Swans and AFL footy would be for he not being there. He was 3rd round rookie pick 40 back in the 1998 Rookie draft. (actually, Antoni Grover came before him at pick 32). The Rookie list has really been of use for WA and SA clubs to pull the 'mature' guys out of the WAFL and SANFL, some Melb based AFL clubs probably haven't used it enough with respect to the VFL. That's where Broughton simply reminds us the Q.Lynch, Sandilands, Bock, Doughty and Cox to name a few have come via that pathway.
bever fever
Guest
Agree Ren, i get annoyed by the constant hype around 16 or 17 year olds when so many guys who mature a bit later dont get a look in.
ren
Guest
For me it has to be boughton, should have a good run in the b and f at freo. I may be a bit biased as well
Michael C
Roar Guru
Aaron Joseph misses on a technicality, he's left over from the 2007 Rookie draft. Likewise Mumford. I want to do another Rookie review article tonight in light of all the happenings of Trade week. Because, "once were Rookies" have featured quite heavily this week. The next Rookie article after that will be the 'all time best Rookie listed' team!!!! I love the Rookie lists. It's were diamonds are found on gravel beaches.
Redb
Roar Guru
Agree, Nahas is a ripper little forward in the Kevin Bartlett mould. the new 'hungry', haven't noticed if he hand-passes. :-) Redb
Charlie
Guest
How about Aaron Joseph from Carlton. Played 22 games out of 23 and kept the opposition's best midfielder quiet in most of those games. He's had a magnificant year.
LK
Guest
Easy peasy, just give it to Pyke and be done with it. No I'm not serious, but he was a lot better than I thought he would be. He probably won't play as many senior games next year with the Seaby-nator and Mummy coming to the Swans.
Brett McKay
Guest
MC, Robin Nahas has to be an early favourite if for no other reason than Emperor Demitriou losing his compusere during the Brownlow count :-)