JUST when we thought the Limestone Coast’s AFL recruitment news had dried up for another season, Essendon Football Club announced the listing of Mount Gambier tall man Henry Crauford.
Following the recruitment of Brad Close to Geelong and Millicent’s Tom Hutchesson to Greater Western Sydney during the draft period, Crauford was picked up by the Bombers through the pre-season supplemental selection period and completes their list a week before the 2020 AFL premiership season kicks off.
The 204cm ruckman spent time training with Essendon over the last week and was one of several players the club had been monitoring over the last few months, with the big news released by the club on Wednesday night.
Crauford will add depth to the Bomber’s ruck position, which has been disrupted by a few pre-season injuries, including knee surgery to starter Tom Bellchambers.
It has been a quick transition for the 22 year old into AFL company and only two years ago he was playing for Mount Burr in the Mid South East Football League, where he was a two-time premiership player and best and fairest winner for the Mozzies.
He made the move to Adelaide last year to play for Norwood in the SANFL Reserves, where he helped the team to a flag and was named the club’s best and fairest at that level.
During his stint at Norwood Crauford averaged almost 16 disposals – at an efficiency rate of 50pc – 3.4 marks, 3.6 tackles and five clearances from 19 games.
He also kicked 10 goals for the season, showing his capabilities as a tall forward, which may be another pathway the Bombers choose to lead him down.
Having not played a game of League football in the SANFL, due to the dominance of Norwood senior ruckman Sam Baulderstone, the leap to AFL level will be a big one.
However, it is an exciting prospect for the Limestone Coast talent, who completes a trinity of Mount Gambier and district footballers to be given opportunities at the game’s pinnacle this year.
