2009 NSW Rookies and Impact of Scholarship System

[Justice]

Having a look at the playing lists for 2009 on the AFL website the following five NSW scholarship players have been elevated to club lists for 2009:

Reed (Collingwood)
Ediriwickrama (Geelong)
Sierakowski (Hawthorn)
McGrath (St Kilda)
Ogle (Western Bulldogs)

It is also possible that other NSW players that are from outside the scholarship area may be drafted.

The question needs to be asked - who is likely to be available for NSW rookie listing and are they worth it?

If anyone has an opinion from seeing u18 championship, TAC Cup or other competitions, I would be interested in your insight.

Cheers

Justice

[liz]

Bear in mind that the majority of NSW rookies taken by the club over the years have come from areas that sit outside the scholarship zones. So the depth / quality of available players may not be that much affected by the scheme.

One player that might come under consideration if the survives the ND is Luke Breust. I think he was named MVP for the Rams in the first phase of this year's U18 champs (ie the second division play-offs), outshining the likes of Ediriwickrama and Reed, but was injured for most of the games in the 1st division. Haven't seen much of him in U18 footy but he was a regular top-up player for the Swans reserves in 2007 and was very impressive. He's a little vanilla in the sense that he's medium sized, not outstandingly quick, and doesn't have any obviously outstanding characteristics like a screaming leap or booming foot but he looked last year to be a pretty good all round package who knows how to find the ball, has solid skills and puts his body on the line. Can kick a goal too.

Another possibility is Mitch Frail who played as the main ruckman in this years Rams team (as an over-ager, having only recently taken up the game). I think he's been employed by the club in some capacity too, over the last couple of seasons - some junior development role. He's also played some games as a top-up with the reserves. He mainly stands out because he is tall - true ruckman height - but his surname aptly describes his build. Still, he might be some chance if the club wants another project ruckman.

On a side note, I see they haven't listed Nathan Gordon as a NSW scholarship elevation. Is that because his DOB on the Rams site is incorrect and he's not eligible? Or maybe the Swans don't rate him as good enough. He played some eye-catching footy late in the season with the reserves this year so it's something of a surprise if he's been passed up. He wouldn't even cost a spot on the list.