FootyGoss :: All the Latest AFL and WAFL Breaking News

Sweeping trend to hit the Draft

An unprecedented 12 rising stars, under 180cm arrived at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra for this year’s draft camp.

From the 12 smalls, two of the almost certainties to be drafted include WA prospects Travis Colyer and Lewis Jetta.

Colyer, possesses sparkling speed and exquisite skills on either foot, while Jetta looks a likely first-round pick after an outstanding season for Swan Districts.

The number of smalls invited to the camp reflects how few tall prospects are worthy in this year’s draft pool, with just three of the eight ruckmen measuring over 198cm.

Melbourne recruiting manager Barry Prendergast, said as long as players can kick, think, run and compete, then they are in with a chance, no matter their height.

West Coast’s 2006 premiership team included Ben Cousins, Daniel Kerr, David Wirrpanda and Michael Braun, who were all under 180cm.

“We’re a lot more open-minded these days about who we pick,” Prendergast said.

“Kicking has always been important but there’s such a huge premium placed on it now. If you had a choice, you’d take the bloke who’s two or three centimetres shorter but has better kicking skills.

“You look at how important small forwards and their pressure are these days. Every team needs one now and clubs are almost running around with two, which means you need to find players to match up on them.”

In a first-time move the draft camp will include specific kicking drills, where players, must be able to kick at short, medium and long distance targets on either foot.