ONE OF this year's leading Mid-Season Rookie Draft hopefuls won't play again before the big night, with Northern Blues midfielder Frank Anderson slapped with a two-match VFL suspension.
Anderson was banned for his dangerous tackle that forced North Melbourne youngster Bailey Scott from the game during the first half of Sunday's 37-point victory at Ikon Park.
The ban comes at the worst possible time for Anderson, given it coincides with the Northern Blues' upcoming bye, meaning he will miss the next three weeks of football.
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That will see him unable to give recruiters one last demonstration of his talent prior to the newly introduced Mid-Season Rookie Draft, which falls on Monday, May 27.
They have until 5pm AEST on Monday, May 6 to appeal.
Anderson, a 21-year-old midfielder, shot into draft calculations after a breakout season in the Eastern Football League with premiers South Croydon last year.
He was believed to be the subject of interest from at least one AFL club last season, before joining Carlton's VFL affiliate the Northern Blues ahead of the 2019 VFL campaign.
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He has continued to impress since making the move, handed an important lockdown role on Aaron Hall on Sunday and keeping the North Melbourne recruit to just 13 disposals.
His form at VFL level has seen him draw considerable AFL attention ahead of this month's Mid-Season Rookie Draft, with at least three clubs understood to have shown interest in him.
Anderson was one of the 308 footballers to officially nominate for the draft last week, with around 15 players tipped to be recruited when the night unfolds at the conclusion of round 10.