If the notion that those who are best prepared will succeed is accurate, I’m about to get a whole lot richer. I have been preparing myself for an assault on the $1,000 up for grabs from NAB Everyday Smart Banking to the contestant who can correctly pick the most number of players selected in the 2009 AFL Under-18 All-Australian team.
Mum is adamant that it is in my best interests to seek employment rather than spending my time researching tomorrow’s AFL stars, but I’m not so sure. I figure if I can continue my meticulous planning for the final two rounds of the competition, the money is mine. My weekdays are split between reading match reports from the opening three rounds of competition, analysing feature articles, picking through Jason McCartney’s weekly ‘eye catchers’ column with a fine tooth comb and brushing up on the statistics to date, accessible on afl.com.au every Monday.
My weekends are spent watching the country’s finest young talent live, with a notepad and an abundance of pens in tow. I have a shortlist of players who I consider certainties and an even larger list of possible inclusions. South Australian midfielder Jack Trengove is what I like to call a monty. Averaging 25 disposals per game and listed in the best for his side in each of their three matches, he has earned his place in my team.
The name on every AFL recruiter’s lips is Vic Metro’s Tom Scully. He has amazing hands, is a ball magnet and has that uncanny ability to bring teammates into the game. He leads the carnival in handballs and is third in overall disposals, averaging 27 per game. Based on figures alone, I think I might be able to squeeze young Scully into the midfield.
Vic Country’s Andrew Hooper has done enough to earn his spot down back already. He made my long trip down the highway to Skilled Stadium for the round one clash against Vic Metro all the worthwhile. The versatile Hooper has performed well down back, in the middle and played a lone hand up forward with three goals against SA in round three. Welcome to the fold Hooper.
You may ask, how could he forget the unbeaten WA…well I haven’t. Flashy WA midfielder Anthony Morabito knows it will take something special to make my team, and so far he hasn’t failed in delivering. His run and carry through the wings has not escaped my attention, nor has the fact that he leads the carnival for inside 50’s.
When selecting a ruckman for my 2009 Under-18 All-Australian team there is a few things I look out for. Initially he must be tall with an ability to influence the clearances. Having taken this into account I have narrowed down my selection too……….sorry guys, I must be off. Apparently the dishes won’t wash themselves.
