Draft Review: 2004
In this section, I will review ten of the best young footballers in the land; whose hopes and dreams will be revealed in November, when the 16 AFL clubs will nominate who they want at their club to help carry them to the next level. Here are the first 10:
Brett Deledo: Murrey Bushrangers
The player tipped by many an astute football watcher as the number one pick, Deledo is a well built midfielder, with a ton of skill. He is good over head, and a strong tackler. He is most likely to be picked up by Richmond at pick one, joining an illustrious group which includes names such as Josh Fraser, Nick Riewoldt, Jeff White and a host of others.
Lance Franklin: Perth
An Aboriginal midfielder, Franklin is a strong body, who impressed for the Australian under 17 side, when it played Ireland in galic football. Midseason, Franklin was nominated by well known talent scout Kevin Sheehan as one of the best kids in the business.
Richard Tambling: Northern Territory
Young Aboriginal Richard Tambling is one of the hottest junior prospects in AFL football. Likened to Demon sensation Aaron Davey, Tambling is lightning quick with excellent skills, and also a strong defensive side to his game. When playing for the Northern Territory junior side, Tambling impressed to become one of the best junior players at the carnival. With many clubs hungry for kids with pace, Tambling is at the top of their lists, and is a tantalising prospect.
Ryan Griffen: West Adelaide
Griffen skippered the South Australian junior side at the national carnival this season, and is a strongly built midfielder. Built with strength and pace, Griffen is tipped to go in the top four of this year’s national draft.
Ben Sharp: Oakleigh Chargers
A ball magnet with plenty of football nous, Sharp has all the skills and attributes to become a top flight footballer at AFL level. Quick, and with good skills, Sharp often wins up to 25 touches a game, and kicked the winning goal of the final of the 2004 National Championships.
Andrew Gilliam: Oakleigh Chargers
A medium sized forward cum midfielder, Gilliam is the younger brother of Port Adelaide’s Stephen Gilliam. A good leader, Gilliam is a great kick on either side of the body. Made the final Victoria Metro side in 2004, despite missing much of the season due to a wrist injury. Is rated highly by talent scouts and should go in the top 30.
Eddie Betts: Calder Cannons
A small yet talented midfielder, Betts has been a solid player for the Cannons for the past two years. His height may count against him, but he has been signalled out by recruiting officers as a future star. May go after pick 50.
Draft Review - 9 of the best
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