The AFL today announced the fifth group of players, Tall Defenders, to be invited to the NAB AFL Draft Combines to be held in October 2012 as part of its talent identification process in the lead up to the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.

The NAB AFL Draft Combine, involving 120 players at National Level, will be held at Etihad Stadium from October 2-5.

State Draft Combines will be held in Melbourne (October 6), Adelaide (October 13) and Perth (October 14).

The Tall Defender group comprises 23 players who and play predominantly defensive roles.

It includes one All-Australian in Jackson Thurlow from the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and four players who are members or graduates of the AIS-AFL Academy.

“The Tall Defenders are extremely athletic with excellent rebounding skills and are strong spoilers with most also capable of playing roles up forward as well highlighting the versatility of this group,” said AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan.

In all, over 200 players have been invited to test at the NAB AFL Draft Combines with other positioned groups to be released as follows:

11 September - Tall Forwards

18 September - Ruckmen

25 September - International Players

2012 NAB AFL Draft Combine - National Tall Defenders


PlayerClubAgeHeightWeight

Clay Cameron

Clay Cameron
Mt Gravatt, QLD 18191 cm83 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Tall defender who can go forward. Quick and agile key forward who can also play in the backline. Strong overhead, with excellent natural leap and clean hands. A real competitor who had injury interrupt his start to the 2012 season. Played the final three games of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, showcasing his strong hands and versatility. AIS-AFL Academy member.”

Tom Clurey

Tom Clurey
Murray Bushrangers, VIC18193 cm85 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “A strong bodied tall defender that reads the play very well. Can shut down opposition key forwards whilst also providing good rebound from defence. Displays excellent leadership qualities, very good endurance and strong hands in the marking contest. Played all five games for Vic Country at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, averaging 11.8 disposals and 3.8 Rebound 50’s."

Aidan Corr

Aidan Corr
Northern Knights (VIC)18194 cm80 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Tall defender who is extremely competitive by nature and spoils aggressively. Has good speed and agility for a tall and uses the ball well by foot to advantage. Takes a strong mark and can go forward to good effect. Injured just prior to Round 4 and 5 of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships and missed the final two matches. AIS-AFL Academy member.”

Kristian Jacksch

Kristian Jacksch
Oakleigh Chargers (VIC)17194 cm85 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Tall forward/defender who is extremely strong overhead, averaging 5.6 marks and 13 disposals for Vic Metro in NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. Kicked six goals against Tasmania in an outstanding performance and uses the ball well by foot when in defence. Makes good decisions with the ball ,shows excellent vision and is a strong spoiler.”

Tom Langdon

Tom Langdon
Sandringham Dragons (VIC)18189 cm80 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Tall defender who is an excellent reader of the play across half back. Has the ability to win the ball back and make smart decisions with his disposal by either hand or foot. Played one game for Vic Metro against N.T at this year’s NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. In his 10 games at TAC Cup level he is averaging 18.5 disposals, five marks and four tackles per game.”

Harrison Marsh

Harry Marsh
East Fremantle (WA)18188 cm78 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “A prodigious kick of the football with excellent defensive skills who likes to attack and take the game on. Shows very good vision and disposes of the ball very effectively either by hand or foot. A very good one-on-one defender that played three games for WA in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. Currently averaging 15.5 disposals and 4.4 marks per game in 14 matches for East Fremantle at Colts level.”

Kamdyn McIntosh

Kamdyn McIntosh
Peel Thunder (WA)18192 cm78 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Tall defender with a very good combination of pace and endurance. Versatile defender capable of playing on medium and talls. Played four matches for WA at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships closing down dangerous opponents and providing good run from defence. Acquitted himself well in four matches at senior level for Peel, averaging 17.5 disposals, five marks and three tackles.”

Lachie Plowman

Lachie Plowman
Calder Cannons (VIC)17191 cm86 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Tall defender with terrific ability to win the contested ball in the air and at ground level. Poised with the ball in his hands and makes smart decisions. Was in great form early in the year with the Australian Under 18 team and Calder before injury ruled him out of the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. Made a strong return in the last fortnight with Cannons and was among their best on the weekend with 17 disposals and six marks. AIS-AFL Academy member.”

Nick Rodda

Nick Rodda
West Perth (WA)18194 cm94 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Strong tall defender who uses his body well in man on man contests. Provides good run from defence, averaging 12 disposals and four marks for WA in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships. Deceptively quick and agile player for his size who uses the ball well either foot.”

Sam Siggins

Sam Siggins
Lauderdale (TAS)18194 cm86 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “A tall rebounding defender who has very clean hands below his knees and likes to attack from half back. Has the ability to play a number of different roles on either a tall or small opponent. Played two games for Tasmania at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships where his leadership qualities were excellent, as was his ability to compete in the air. Currently playing senior football with Lauderdale.”

Tanner Smith

Tanner Smith
North Ballarat Rebels (VIC)18194 cm83 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: "Tall defender who has good closing speed and reads the game extremely well coming into the opposition forward line. Makes good decisions on when to mark or spoil and provides good run from defence. Has shown ability to go forward and have an impact. Stood tall for Vic Country in AFL U18s this year matching up well on the oppositions best forward."

Jackson Thurlow

Jackson Thurlow
Launceston (TAS)18190 cm79 kg
Kevin Sheehan says: “Medium defender who reads the play exceptionally well cutting off opposition forward moves and providing a running option on the way out. Averaged 24.6 disposals and 6.6 marks, winning All Australian Under 18 honours in the 2012 NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.”

2012 NAB AFL Draft Combines - State Tall Defenders
 
Melbourne:
Josh Freezer
Club: Bendigo Gold
Height: 192cm
Weight: 91kg
DOB: 12.06.1989
 
Michael Riseley
Club: Casey Scorpions
Height: 190cm
Weight: 83kg
DOB: 21.12.1988
 
Harley Walshe
Club: Western Jets
Height: 197cm
Weight: 83kg
DOB: 23.02.1994
 
Jordan Weir
Club: North Shore
Height: 192cm
Weight: 81kg
DOB: 01.08.1994
 
Josh Woolley
Club: Launceston
Height: 189cm
Weight: 84kg
DOB: 24.09.1992
 
Adelaide
Chase Bower
Club: Norwood
Height: 189cm
Weight: 79kg
DOB: 22.03.1994
 
Jarrod Lienert
Club: Sturt
Height: 191cm
Weight: 80kg
DOB: 05.08.1994
 
Aaron Luccon
Club: Norwood
Height: 197cm
Weight: 87kg
DOB: 21.04.1994
 
Joel Tippett
Club: West Adelaide
Height: 195cm
Weight: 91kg
DOB: 26.10.1988
 
Matthew Wallis
Club: Norwood
Height: 194cm
Weight: 89kg
DOB: 16.01.1994
 
Perth
Alex Howson
Club: East Fremantle
Height: 195cm
Weight: 90kg
DOB: 25.05.1994text