Thought I'd start a thread on talent we think we might be able to grab late in the draft.
There is a kid from over here where I live (Albany, WA) who would be worth a serious look at pick 50 if still around.
His name is Brenden Abbott. Really good size (between 185cm and 189cm depending on who you believe), fearless and a big unit to go with it (92kgs). Has played against men in the local comp the last couple of years cause he would have killed most kids his own age down here. Blistering pace (2.87 seconds in 20m sprint at recent state trials). Beautiful kick of the pill on both sides of the body, and sharp with the handball as well. Played HBF for state u16s last year and was very effective. Was also named as one of the captains of that side. Was selected in U18 side this year, but did not play, see reasons below.
Knocks on him are as follows:
1. Lacks endurance. Poor performance on the beep test at recent state trials.
2. Very prone to homesickness. Returned to Albany from Claremont mid year due to this, and subsequently missed the u18 champs and AFL draft camp screening.
3. Had a tough upbringing. Yes, I believe he is related to the other Brenden Abbott (only been told this, never asked him myself).
4. Would need a lot of support from the club. This has been evident even down here in Albany. Not that he is a bad kid, just has a lot to learn.
I had intended to keep this info to myself and let the club know, but I found out the other day that 4 AFL clubs have spoken to him about being a late draft pick, rookie selection.
Anyway, I have spoken to him a few times and he seems a really nice kid. As per point 2 above, trying to find his way in the world. I know he was personally really disappointed that he couldn't stick it out at Claremont which has cost him a lot, and is desperate for another chance to show AFL recruiters what he could do.
This kid has 'X' factor written all over him. Could be something really special if he goes to the right club. And given what we have achieved with Dusty, I'd say we would be a good fit.
There is a kid from over here where I live (Albany, WA) who would be worth a serious look at pick 50 if still around.
His name is Brenden Abbott. Really good size (between 185cm and 189cm depending on who you believe), fearless and a big unit to go with it (92kgs). Has played against men in the local comp the last couple of years cause he would have killed most kids his own age down here. Blistering pace (2.87 seconds in 20m sprint at recent state trials). Beautiful kick of the pill on both sides of the body, and sharp with the handball as well. Played HBF for state u16s last year and was very effective. Was also named as one of the captains of that side. Was selected in U18 side this year, but did not play, see reasons below.
Knocks on him are as follows:
1. Lacks endurance. Poor performance on the beep test at recent state trials.
2. Very prone to homesickness. Returned to Albany from Claremont mid year due to this, and subsequently missed the u18 champs and AFL draft camp screening.
3. Had a tough upbringing. Yes, I believe he is related to the other Brenden Abbott (only been told this, never asked him myself).
4. Would need a lot of support from the club. This has been evident even down here in Albany. Not that he is a bad kid, just has a lot to learn.
I had intended to keep this info to myself and let the club know, but I found out the other day that 4 AFL clubs have spoken to him about being a late draft pick, rookie selection.
Anyway, I have spoken to him a few times and he seems a really nice kid. As per point 2 above, trying to find his way in the world. I know he was personally really disappointed that he couldn't stick it out at Claremont which has cost him a lot, and is desperate for another chance to show AFL recruiters what he could do.
This kid has 'X' factor written all over him. Could be something really special if he goes to the right club. And given what we have achieved with Dusty, I'd say we would be a good fit.
