The NAB AFL Under-18 Championships were won convincingly by an extremely slick Western Australian outfit but seems as though they’re not the only ones celebrating. Victoria’s Jack Moorfoot 20, has been awarded the title in the hotly contested ‘Pick your 2009 Under-18 All-Australian team’ online competition run by afl.com.au. Moorfoot claimed the $1,000 NAB smart everyday banking Visa on offer as well as earning himself a guest invitation to the 2009 NAB AFL Draft with a startling nineteen players correctly selected in his side.
When quizzed on his outstanding achievement, Moorfoot was in no doubt as to the secrets of his success. “I followed the entire championships pretty closely,” said the delighted Moorfoot. “I’ve also seen plenty of the Geelong Falcons matches in the TAC Cup this season, so I have seen plenty of talent close up”.
A former member of the Geelong Falcons TAC Cup squad in 2005 and 2006, a squad which included Bulldogs gun Shaun Higgins, Moorfoot still takes an extremely keen interest in the country’s emerging talent. Jack also has a younger brother who has recently gone through the system, which means the family keeps a very close eye on the current talent pool. “He has close relationships with quite a few of this year’s draft crop, in fact he even used to play basketball with Jack Watts,” said a proud Moorfoot.
When looking for a little advice, Jack searched no further than the AFL’s National Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan. “I hung on every word of Sheehan’s during the Foxtel broadcast. He knows all the young stars better than anyone,” said Moorfoot.
Although unfortunately not drafted, Jack Moorfoot has not hung up the boots, nor has his form deteriorated. Currently a dashing wingman for Birregurra Football Club in the Colac & District Football League, Jack has been pivotal in ensuring his side remains entrenched in the top four after fifteen rounds.
Of all the footy fans across the country, it seems as though Moorfoot can spot talent as well as anyone, so it would be remiss not to ask him who he would take with the first pick in November’s NAB AFL Draft. “I wouldn’t have to ponder the decision too long,” said Moorfoot, “Vic Metro’s Tom Scully is a standout.”