It’s that time of year where all eyes are on the upcoming 2016 AFL Draft – hoping that your club will pick up the next rising star, or an undiscovered mature-ager.
But, maybe you haven’t paid much attention to the build up? What is your club really picking up this November?
A lot gets said about the new players entering the AFL this time of year, and it’s not always easy to interpret. Luckily, I’ve got a quick little guide that will bring you up to speed.
“Classy midfielder” – Private school boy.
“Inside midfielder” – Always found on the bottom of packs, every team needs one. But he can’t hit a target, often said that his kicking needs to be worked on, but never is.
“Outside midfielder” – Quick, but only because he knows if he is caught he won’t be playing footy for the rest of the season. Can hit targets though.
“Father-Son prospect” – Drafted him because of his name, not his ability. Will get early games to give supporters hope, but won’t be nearly as good as his Dad.
“Academy player” – Drafted because he is the only one willing to live in Western Sydney for the next ten years.
“Sam Mitchell type” – Can kick on both feet, but no more than 25 meters.
“Elite athlete” – Can’t kick, mark or tackle. But, he can run all day.
“Big-bodied midfielder” – Hit puberty at 12 and is built like a truck. Looked good charging through 50kg 18-year-old boys at TAC Cup level.
“Potential leader” – Loves to post a picture or 50 of himself playing footy on Instagram.
“Ready to play next year” – Only drafted by Melbourne or Richmond.
“Development player” – Drafted because he is over 205cm tall, however, can’t eat with a knife or fork because he is too uncoordinated.
“New to football” – Has a story all commentators will love. BT will be talking about his transition to the AFL from football, rugby, or athletics until you want to mute the TV.
“Exciting small forward” – A pest. Kicks goals because he’s been sitting at the back of packs all day. Loves running into open goal at every opportunity and celebrates like he’s just won the grand final.
“Unfashionable” – Fat, gets a lot of kicks because he’s so sweaty that nobody wants to tackle him.
“Late bolter” – Has spent the year carrying his school football team on his shoulders. Will be a player of the future.
“Mature-age recruit” – Has spent the past three years smashing darts and beers. He’s finally decided to do something with his life.
“Plays tall” – Is small, often under 170cm.
“Should’ve been drafted top 5” – An absolute gun but never gets on the park because he’s always injured.
“Utility/Can play forward or back” – A wannabe key position player who has been tried in all positions but is just average.
“Second chance” – A VFL star, but can’t play at AFL level. Will win the best-and-fairest for your reserves side and help them to a premiership.
“Tall forward” – Drafted because there are only five of them in the draft, often has an IQ less than ten.
“Traditional key forward” – Will sit in the goal square for the whole game.
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