Re: Welcome Liam McBean at pick 33
Cannons loaded with talent Sam Landsberger
From: Leader
March 19, 2012 1:49PM
FOUR months ago a quartet of Calder Cannons were plonked on to AFL lists inside the top 40 draft picks, strengthening the TAC Cup club's reputation as an elite player producer.
This year the Cannons are set to add another layer to that standing with a tantalising handful of talent at the top of its list, which has been finalised ahead of Sunday's Round 1 opener against Northern Knights.
"I reckon this squad has a bit more strength at the top than last year," region manager Ian Kyte said. "Last year we had quite an even squad once you got past the top six, but this year it's a bit stronger at the top end.
"This area the local clubs just continue to produce good players. The EDFL and RDFL are probably equally represented in the squads this year, which is great."
Kyte said 6-8 players were expected to force there way on to AFL lists come draft time after six won berths last year.
And the Cannons are fuelled with big names this year, household AFL icons Dean Bailey, Anthony Daniher, Justin Madden, Greg Williams and Mark Thompson all having sons in the squad. John Barnes could join that list, with son James on the Cannons radar but overcoming an injury.
THE TOP FIVE CANNONS TO WATCH IN 2012
Liam McBean (Aberfeldie) (199cm, 81kg)
Tailor-made for modern footy with his work at ground level and ability to roam the field outstanding for a key-position monster.
Kyte says: "He's hit 200cm, he's very agile, he's great in traffic and he'll play as a forward going into the ruck. It's stupid to say, but he might be a 200cm forward flanker with his agility."
Jono O'Rourke (Gisborne Rookies) (182cm, 71kg)
Could be the pick of the lot. An outstanding playmaker similar to St Kilda's Nick Dal Santo who is flying after injury battles last year.
Kyte says: "He's just a very skilful, class act. He looks to have a lot of time when he gets the ball and he uses it really well. I'd like to think we can afford to play him as an outside midfielder trying to teach him to play inside."
Lachie Plowman (Macedon) (190cm, 81kg)
Key defenders are hard to find. Ones which can negate opponents and punish on the rebound with pinpoint skills, like Plowman, are even harder. Still growing, but looks a special talent.
Kyte says: "He's going to hold a key position. I think he'll hold centre half-back the majority of the year and be a very good player. He has this real poise, when he gets the ball he has time and he delivers it really well. He plays his footy like he lives his life, always enjoying it with a smile on his face."
Rory Atkins (Maribyrnong Park) (183cm, 75kg)
Endured a frustrating 2011 with tonsillitis and several illnesses but fit and firing this year and in the leadership group.
Kyte says: "We've noticed some great changes in Rory so we're really looking forward to watching him play this year. I reckon he'll play as a mid-sized forward, and for his size he's an excellent mark and around goals a beautiful kick."
Joe Daniher (Aberfeldie) (199cm, 83kg)
The Essendon-bound star just keeps growing. Finally over his injury curse, Daniher is heavily monitored by the Bombers and is being groomed as a ruckman with strong hands and goal-kicking power.
Kyte says: "He's put on a lot of weight, he's very strong and done quite a bit of training with Essendon. If he wasn't going to Essendon (under the father-son rule) could command a top-five pick."
*Height and weight measurements from 2011