North Launceston star half-back Jay Lockhart has earned a reprieve to show his wares on Sunday in front of AFL recruiters.
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The 2017 Lefroy medallist, who starred for Tasmania in the representative clash against the NEAFL, was a late inclusion to the final draft combine in Melbourne.
AFL Tasmania state talent manager Jy Bond said the 21-year-old was called up only on Thursday to attend the first-ever Rookie Me combine for over-age players from 19 to 28 years.
“A couple of AFL clubs have expressed interest in Jay, so we’ve got him a gig in Melbourne,” Bond said.
“It’ll be good to put him in front of all AFL clubs as a just reward. It’s a real good opportunity for him to go out and do the same tests as they have done all week.”
Most eyes were on Tigers forward Hugh Dixon in the AFL national draft combine.
The 195cm Dixon featured well in the agility test, 20m sprint, kicking, 2km time trials and the new yo-yo test.
“He’s done alright, he’s done really well, actually, and he’s got some real good interest out there,” Bond said.
Launceston utility Jake Hinds was one of three other Tasmanians trialling at the state combines on Friday.
The modified version of the four-day AFL national draft combine attracted Burnie’s Tom Mundy and Glenorchy’s Harrison Gunther.
Bond felt Hinds had the tools AFL clubs highly regard.
“We’ve been through a lot of work with him over the last few months, which is testing his speed work,” Bond said. “He’s an elite kick – I’ve spoken to numerous clubs about his disposal and ball use.
“So there’s definite interest for Hinds and all these boys.
“If he tests well today, it will go a long way to help him to get a spot on an AFL list.”
The 18-year-old stood out for Tasmania at the national under-18 carnival this year, earning a berth in the Allies side to take on the big states before a corked thigh ended his interstate campaign.
He earned repeated praise from Blues TSL coach Sam Lonergan, as Hinds proved a driving force towards Launceston’s late-year surge.
“He moved Hinds into the Launceston midfield to show his endurance,” Bond said, “so it’s looking good for him, but you can never tell what AFL clubs are going to do.”
Andrew Mathieson
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
The day I realised I wasn't good enough to play for St Kilda or be the No.1 spinner for Australia was when I realised journalism was the closest I could come to follow my passion for sport. And it's not just about the scores for me. It's the back story behind the game.
