Tyler Lewis
GLENELG key-defender – and former South Gambier junior – Oscar Adams achieved a childhood dream last Wednesday, when Brad Scott read his name out at Pick 51 in the AFL National Draft, sending the youngster to St Kilda.
The Saints had their eye on Adams, trading their future fourth round pick with premiers Melbourne to land the 51st Pick of the National Draft.
Adams began his year in the ruck, but found his home in the back six, using his athleticism to shift the ball back into his side’s hands.
The key-pillar was instrumental in the Under-18 SANFL Grand Final for Glenelg against Woodvile-West Torrens, in particular his third term when the Eagles really forced the issue, Adams managed to collect three intercept marks inside defensive 50.
In the final term, Adams demonstrated his versatility after being sent forward, setting up two shots on goal.
What often goes under the radar from Adams is his tranquillity with ball in hand; on several occasions in that big clash on the Adelaide Oval, Adams looked to be in a spot of bother on the last line of defence with opposition forwards closing in, but his ability to find a target laconically under pressure was sensational.
“From Mount Gambier … I liked his prospects,” Draft guru Mike Sheehan said on the Draft coverage when the Saints lodged their pick.
“Think Marc Blicavs from Geelong, he’s a boy that can play centre-half-back, he is a big fella, a wirey fella at 198 (cm) that can also help out in the ruck.
“It was that last game in the Nationals between SA and WA, I thought he was their (SA) best player.
“I thought I could see it unfolding in front of my eyes the way he started to intercept mark.
“(He’s) Not just a big kid that could move well, he actually started to pluck it.
“I thought he could make it onto at least rookie level, he has made it onto the primary list, that is such good news for him, he has worked so hard from Mount Gambier – right there on the border – to pursue his footy at Glenelg.
“A great result for him,” Sheehan said.
St Kilda were more than pleased to add Adams to their books, with St Kilda List Manager James Gallagher commending the defender in a post-draft interview.
“At 198cm, Oscar is a competitive and athletic key defender,” he said.
“He took strides in his footy this year, showing his commitment by travelling nearly five hours from Mount Gambier each week to play.”
