UNIVERSITY exams aren't usually something that students look forward to, but for AFL draft hopeful Toby Nankervis they have been a perfect distraction.
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Health science studies have allowed the 19-year-old ruckman-forward to take his mind off Thursday's national draft, where for the second year in a row the Northern Bomber from George Town will be nervously waiting to see if his dream is realised.
The fact that this is second time around does not make things any easier for Nankervis, in fact, it makes it even tougher for the under-18 All-Australian ruckman.
``I am a bit nervous and excited about it all,'' Nankervis said yesterday.
``This year is a lot different to last year, so it's not easier and makes me a bit more nervous.
``I'm not confident, because every year a lot of good players miss out, and there have been plenty of good players in my position that have missed, so I won't go in too confident.
``It has been a big build up over the last couple of years, so I would be over the moon, but I'm not trying to think too much about it, so I'm trying to keep my mind off it a little bit.''
Nankervis, who will watch the draft at home with his family, was the dominant ruckman in the under-18 championships (where he averaged 18 hitouts a game), and was also able to have an impact around the ground and in front of goal.
He showed his capabilities against Queensland, with 27 touches, 11 marks and 19 hitouts in a 10-goal win for the Mariners, while he kicked five goals and had 22 disposals against the Northern Territory.
While it is hard to judge clubs' philosophy on ruckmen, the 200-centimetre Nankervis is potentially a top-30 pick.
He is one of five players from Launceston's State League clubs with draft hopes.
Launceston half-back Kade Kolodjashnij has been linked with St Kilda's pick 3, with Gold Coast (at pick 5) also very interested.
His key-defender twin brother Jake has been tipped to go in the top 30.
South Launceston's premiership-winning coach Mitch Thorp has been linked with Fremantle and Carlton, while teammate Bart McCulloch also attended the state combine screening.
Other Tasmanians in contention include Burnie duo Brady Grey and Eli Templeton, Devonport's Alex Pearce and Glenorchy's Zac Webster.
The national draft will be held on the Gold Coast next Thursday, with the rookie and preseason drafts now being held on the following Wednesday.
