NOT one, but four Limestone Coast football prodigies will be given the chance to prove themselves at the 2019 South Australian AFL draft combine.
Brad Close, Reid Kuller, Tom Hutchesson and Henry Crauford were all selected among just 21 South Australians for the state combine, which will be held on October 15 following the national draft combine at the start of the month.
All four players have impressed at SANFL level this season and South East football operations coordinator Michael Mourbey said each of them have been doing good things at their respective clubs.
“All four of those guys from the South East are performing very well and have a great opportunity going into the combine,” he said.
“They will go to the combine and have a series of tests which put them in the frame for then being drafted.
“It gives the AFL clubs a chance to have a look at them and see what they are about and what they can do.”
Mourbey said the combine results, paired with players’ performances throughout the year will provide AFL clubs with “food for thought” as they look to finalise their 2020 lists.
West Gambier youngster Kuller has competed in both the Glenelg Under 18’s and Reserves this season and has made a big impact.
On the weekend he had 33 disposals in the Under 18 win over North Adelaide and he averages 26.4 a game after eight matches in the junior competition.
Kuller also averages 7.8 tackles a game, while his strong marking ability has been on show too.
He has stepped up to the Reserves on four occasions and impressed among more senior company as well.
Fellow Western Border and Mount Gambier talent Brad Close made the move to the “big smoke” after the 2017 football season and has since become an integral part of Glenelg’s league side.
He has an average of just over 16 disposals per game and popped up with nine goals for the season to help the Tigers onto the top of the ladder.
“Brad has been playing league for Glenelg this year and has performed exceptionally well,” Mourbey said.
“Glenelg sit at the top of the SANFL ladder and he has been a main contributor to their performance this year.”
Turn your attention towards the Mid South East Football League and Crauford has already made a name for himself playing in the Norwood Reserves this season.
A Mount Burr premiership player and Walker medallist, Crauford made the move to Adelaide prior to the 2019 season.
“Crauford has shown a lot of promise and I know he is highly thought of at Norwood,” Mourbey said.
He has kicked nine goals in his 15 matches and averages 16.3 disposals per game.
Crauford is one of the promising ruck/key position prospects who will be put through their paces at the state combine.
Millicent premiership player Tom Hutchesson has also impressed, playing with the Adelaide Crows this season as a mature-aged development player in the SANFL league competition.
Just last week the 24-year-old midfielder played alongside the likes of Eddie Betts, Bryce Gibbs and Sam Jacobs.
He managed 14 disposals that game – equal with Betts – while his best performance of 10 matches was in the round-five victory over Central District, which saw him with 26 disposals, eight marks, four tackles and five clearances.
“He has been doing really well and has certainly impressed with his clearance ability and work rate,” Mourbey said.
“He has really come to the forefront over there.”
Each player has certainly earned their selection for the state combine and the result reflects strongly on the South East football competitions.
“We are a strong football area down here and it is good to see that has been acknowledged,” Mourbey said.
“I think it says a lot about the strength of the football in the area and the quality of the local competitions and the level of coaching we have.
“With the development they have received locally, they have all been able to make an impact in a short space of time.”
