By ADEM SARICAOGLU
WESTERN Jets region manager Shane Sexton has been pleased to see the increased progress of footballers seeking alternate pathways into the AFL in recent years.
New Essendon recruit Johnny Rayner recently added his name to the growing list of former Western Jets who eventually found their way onto an AFL list despite being overlooked at the draft.
In another promising sign, Brett Bewley, Jake McKenzie, Harley Walshe and Lachie Hickey, all Jets in 2013, have been snapped up by Williamstown in the VFL.
But while Sexton acknowledges the recent influx of mature-aged recruits has made it harder for kids to enter the AFL system through the traditional draft pathway, he still believes the majority of new recruits will come out of the under-18 system.
“I think clubs are still looking for guys that can play league footy,” Sexton said.
“Sure, the readymade players are going to be a bit more advanced than the 18-year-olds these days, but the bulk of the kids are still going to come out of under-age footy and particularly the TAC Cup.”
Three Western Jets from the class of 2013 look to be in the running for a chance to land on an AFL list during this coming draft period, which begins with this Thursday’s national draft on the Gold Coast.
Leading the Jets charge will be versatile utility James Sicily, who offers a strong mix of physical ability and footballing know-how on the park.
“James is a very talented player, and very skilful,” Sexton said.
“He’s got the capacity to do things out of the ordinary and does it regularly.
“At different times during the year he proved he can go through the midfield, clearly he can go forward and be really dangerous, he’s exceptional overhead, he’s a good kick and he’s got a terrific capacity to read the game.”
The Jets’ only other Vic Metro representative in 2013, Jake Greiser, also has plenty to offer as an inside midfield option, according to Sexton.
“He’s right up there and he’s really good with his hands, which made him quicker in that sense,” Sexton said.
“His attitude and application to the task at hand is first rate, so he ticks a lot of boxes as well.”
However, Williamstown product David Iaccarino looms as the great unknown of the Jets’ class of 2013.
Iaccarino was clearly the Jets’ best player in 2013, but persistent shoulder problems meant he missed out on both Vic Metro selection and an invitation to October’s draft combines.
“He’s very well known in draft circles,” Sexton insists.
“Many of the recruiters that I’ve spoken to know what he can do and have witnessed it.
“So I’d be hopeful for David that he finds his way to an AFL club as well.”
