Small Forwards, Midfielders and Defenders were named for the 2012 NAB AFL Draft Combine. NT Thunder received three nominations with Jed Anderson, Jake Neade and Jarrod Stokes all recieving nominations with Ben Rioli and Anthony Tipungwuti nominated for State Screening.
After winning the 2012 Division 2 National Title earlier this year, a number of NT Thunder under 18 players have been rewarded with invitations to this years NAB AFL Draft Combine.
The AFL has released the first 32 players invited to this years NAB AFL Draft Combine in the category of Small Defenders/Midfielders/Forwards. These are players are 180cm in height or under. NT Thunder Senior listed players Jed Anderson and Jarrod Stokes are joined by Under 18 Thunder representative Jake Neade as Thunders first group of players invited to take part in the Draft Combine.
Senior Contracted player Ben Rioli and U18 representative Anthony Tipungwuti have been invited to take part in State Screening before this years Draft. "The players invited to both Draft Combine and State Screening thoroughly deserve the opportunity to show what they have in front of the AFL Club Recruiters and Coaches. They have all travelled different paths to get where they have today and it will be exciting for the them to be tested in a wide range of physical and mental tests and interviewed by a wide range of AFL clubs. The players all bring a different flavour to the table from Jed Anderson’s aerial skills, Jake Neade fierce tackling the speed and smarts of Jarrod Stokes, run and carry from Ben Rioli and the evasive skills of Anthony Tipungwuti’. Each player had consistent performances at National U18 Level and have also been contributors in their local competitions whether it be the NEAFL Northern Conference or the highly rated TAC Cup Competition. The Draft Combine and State Screenings can be likened to a final job interview with the players putting their wares on show. No doubt they will all put their best foot forward."
NT Thunder under 18 Head Coach Brenton Toy’s comment "I am really pleased for these five boys to get their nomination to attend this years Draft Combine and State Screening. They have all deserved their opportunity to get looked at by the AFL Clubs. Jed will be one of the stand outs for the NT after being selected as an All Australian last year and Jake will also be another player to watch after earning All Australian Selection this year. Jarrod played some really an eye catching football during the championships and will draw a lot of attention from recruiters with his speed and skills at the Combine.
Both Ben and Anthony are fantastic characters off the field and play very different roles on field. Ben has proven himself as a medium running defender at both the under 18 and Senior level and although undersized has competed well against players above his weight range. Anthony has the X-Factor that many AFL clubs would be looking at if they wanted a small crumbing forward. His defensive pressure and crumbing work in small contested area’s really set the bench mark for his great 2012 National Championships. I want to personally wish these boys the best of luck and it has been a pleasure to be involved in their development over the past few years."
To be invited to the Draft Combine a player must be nominated by five or more AFL Clubs. Players invited to State Screenings are required to be nominated by three or more AFL Clubs. This years 2012 National Draft Combine will be held in Melbourne on the 3rd – 5th of October.
There is still the possibility of having more NT Thunder players invited to this years Draft Combine and State Screenings when the AFL releases the remaining categories of invited players over the next six weeks.
The Northern Territory Football Club would like to wish all of the Territorian players invited to this years Combine and State Screening the very best of luck and look forward to seeing them once again display their talents on the National stage.
NT Thunder Coaching and Talent Manager Wally Gallio’s comment