Western Jet Elliot Kavanagh, pictured at last year’s Under 18 National Championships, has been invited to the AFL draft combine in October. 49271 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By Michael Esposito
INJURY prevented Elliot Kavanagh from showing his wares in front of talent scouts at the Under18 AFL Championships, but the Western Jet’s invitation to the AFL Draft Combine in October is a just reward for the explosive midfielder.
The 185cm on-baller is one of 16 footballers selected to attend the national combine announced last week.
Western Jets general manager Shane Sexton said Kavanagh’s invitation was expected despite missing most of the season with a hamstring injury.
“He’s an AIS academy member, he’s a really good player. Last year the footy that he played he was a high achiever as a 16-year-old then he had to misfortune of being injured. It was a nasty sort of injury and he’s gradually gaining some confidence now.”
Missing the Under 18 AFL Championships was a cruel blow, but Sexton believes it was the best decision for his physical welfare and development.
“The decisions that were made there were in hindsight the correct ones,” he said.
“His preparation was very limited at the start of the season, he had a couple of little setbacks with it, and the resolution of the injury, when it was starting to get to the stage where it was beginning to allow him to resume footy, was smack in the middle of the championships. So to play him would not have done him any justice.”
AFL national talent manager Kevin Sheehan on the AFL website, said: “He’s got all of the assets that the clubs are after… the pace, the ability to use the ball well and he’s a lovely size to play through the midfield.”
The Jets are in red-hot form and are sitting fifth on the TAC Cup ladder with 10 wins. It’s a far cry from last season, which yielded just three wins and no AFL draftees.
This season Will Hoskin-Elliot is regarded as a potential top 10 draft pick, while Kavanagh is pushing his case for an AFL contract and Adam Kennedy who was overlooked last year, has been among the Jets’ best players and is surely worth another look.
“Without a doubt in terms of talent we’ve got more depth at the club than we’ve had since I came here in 2000,” Sexton said.
“As the region begins to grow more talent is emerging so it gives you more depth. It’s been evident that once we got up and running into this season there are a lot more players that contribute on a week by week basis. It’s been one of the major reasons for the good form in recent times.”
This year’s national combine is at Etihad Stadium on October 4.
