New Faces 2009: Adelaide Crows

National Draft

#10 – Phil Davis
#28 – Shaun McKernan
#44 – Rory Sloane
#60 – Thomas Lee
#72 – William Young

Rookie Draft

#10 – Ricky Henderson
#26 – Christopher Schmidt

As the 2008 draft approached, it looked likely that Adelaide would be targeting a key position prospect with its first pick.  Many – particularly Adelaide supporters who voice their opinions on forums – believed that Jackson Trengove was the name that would be read out at #10, however when draft day was upon us the Phil Davis bandwagon gained some momentum and it was the local lad who eventually got the nod.

Davis suffered a shoulder injury which hindered his football in 2008.  Despite being tipped to slide to the second round, Adelaide obviously liked what they had previously seen and look to have a gem on their hands.  With the retirement of Bassett and Adelaide’s struggles to find an adequate key forward; Davis shapes as a possible answer at either end of the ground.

In the second round Adelaide selected Shaun McKernan, the younger brother of former AFL premiership player Corey.  Shaun McKernan stands at 196cm in height and there have been some questions over what position he would play at AFL level.  Despite being undersized for a ruckman, McKernan possesses a lot of athleticism, namely the second best vertical leap at this year’s draft camp as well as finishing sixth in the agility test.

McKernan will be an interesting one to watch.  The questions regarding his long-term position are likely to continue for a time well beyond his debut; but regardless of where he ends up Adelaide have done well to secure a player with his skill set and pedigree in the second round.  On the other side of the coin, McKernan’s attributes may allow Adelaide some versatility, providing a swingable solution in various positions depending on how a match is unfolding.

At pick #44 Adelaide selected another Victorian in Rory Sloane, a 182cm midfielder who can also be swung back or forward.  From all reports, Sloane is a very personable kid who exudes leadership potential and has the mental application to succeed at the highest level.

After taking two key position players in the first two rounds, Adelaide’s bolstered its already impressive midfield prospects with Sloane; who will provide some added assurance heading forward.  Sloane will join the likes of Dangerfield, Mackay and the already established Knights as players who Adelaide fans will be hoping to form the basis for their future midfield.

Rounding out the national draft for Adelaide were Thomas Lee (Pick  #60) and William Young (Pick #72).  Both are key forwards who have shown varying degrees of promise in junior football.  Thomas Lee hails from the same hometown as Lance “Buddy” Franklin and the Crows would be hoping that he can emulate some of Franklin’s AFL form; since even a smidgen would be enough to qualify him as a player.  Will Young spent nearly two years out of the game before returning to play some solid football for North Ballarat whilst also representing Vic Country in three matches in the U18 Championships.

Between Davis, McKernan, Lee and Young – whilst also having talented NSW Scholarship acquisition Taylor Walker in the works – Adelaide would be hoping to find a quality key forward or two from this promising bunch.  Adelaide were dealt a cruel blow this year when they lost both Porplyzia and Burton, yet still managed to work their way into September.  It will be interesting and perhaps a little scary for opposition supporters – myself included – to see how Adelaide shapes up if some of these young prospects emerge as genuine forwards.

To finish up the silly season, Adelaide took two rookies in Chris Schmidt and Ricky Henderson.  Schmidt was delisted by the Brisbane Lions after spending two years on their senior list.  Originally drafted in the second round of the 2006 super draft, Schmidt is a tall midfielder/utility who may just prove to be a late bloomer.  Henderson is a 20 year old basketball player who hadn’t touched a football in four years, despite playing in his earlier days.  Whilst being something of a project, Henderson is a good size at 190cm and 82kgs and it’s always good to see some creative thinking with the rookie list.

Adelaide loaded up predominantly with key position prospects in this year’s drafting period, which given their needs and the strength of the draft was a wise strategy.  Traditionally, it’s best to build a spine of key position players in stronger drafts, as it’s easier to build around that sort of rare quality with midfielders and utilities who are generally the majority in any given draft.

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