SANFL players nominated for AFL draft (incl. past nominees)

[Big Phil]

Matthew Lokan*

It would have been the year after he was delisted from Collingwood that he nominated I reckon, therefore meaning this year is the last of the 3 years that his nomination lasts...

[doggies4eva]

I lost count but there were nearly 200 players on the list.

With about 10-12 to be picked up from SA that makes it extremely competitive!

[Big Phil]

http://city-north-messenger.whereilive.com.au/sport/story/twin-paths-leading-one-way/

Twin paths leading one way


Luke Tapscott and James Craig at Prospect Oval. Picture: Luke Hemer

THEY’RE North Adelaide’s odd couple.

James Craig is a 195cm ruckman who has lived in Adelaide his whole life.

Luke Tapscott is a 180cm midfielder who was the first generation to leave the family’s 6000ha farm in the Flinders Ranges behind for the big smoke.

They met in 2007 when Tapscott moved to Adelaide and teamed with Craig to help North Adelaide to the under-17 SANFL premiership.

And success has followed them ever since.

This year they played League football together, made the Under-18 All Australian Team and in two weeks are strong chances to be drafted into the AFL.

``He (Craig) has probably helped me to where I am today by getting the ball to me,’’ Tapscott said.

That, and his own hard work, has Tapscott in the firing line of AFL recruiters. And the 18-year-old’s hard work isn’t restricted to the football field.

When he spoke to the City North Messenger last week, he’d just finished penning sheep on the farm at Orroroo and was preparing for the following day as a rouseabout in the shearing sheds.

``We were always on the farm as kids,’’ he said.

``Sundays were our big day, sometimes 7am to 7pm, fencing, shearing and anything that needed to be done.

``It’s still good to get out here and muck around. I wouldn’t want to do it for a living but every now and then is okay.’’

That is why at 15, Tapscott left the farm and moved to Prince Alfred College in search of his AFL dream.

He said it was a big decision, given the farm had been passed from his great grandfather Len, to his grandfather Allen and then to his father, Jeffrey.

But in the end, the lure of the chance to play AFL - and become the first from Orroroo to do so - was too great.

``I always used to tell mum I was going to play AFL as a kid and she never believed me,’’ the Crows supporter said.

But that could all change on November 26 if Tapscott’s name is read out in the National Draft.

``I’m pretty happy with my year. If someone had of told me at the start that I’d play six League games and make the All Australian Under-18 team I would have taken it.’’

Craig has also long dreamt of playing in the AFL but only realised it was possible two years ago.

``It hit home after the 2007 Grand Final that I might have the development to play at that level,’’ he said.

``I’ve always been a ruckman because I could jump but Craig Brooks (under-17 coach) really taught me the importance of getting in and hunting the footy after I hit it. And I think that’s one of my strengths.’’

Craig, who did Year 12 at Adelaide High School last year, played juniors with Fitzroy FC before joining North Adelaide.

Last year he was named North Adelaide’s most outstanding junior club person for his contribution on and off the field.

Last month he starred at the AFL Draft Camp and has since spoken to 12 of the 16 clubs.

But regardless of where he ends up next season, he’s determined to not just be a footballer.

``I want to start uni to study teaching,’’ the 18-year-old said.

``I want to do it anyway (regardless of whether he’s in the AFL system).

``But you don’t have any idea what’s going to happen.

``They (AFL clubs) speak to you, but it’s just a chat. They can’t make any promises.’’