AFL Draft expert Callum Twomey predicts at least four Riverina teenagers will make AFL lists in Tuesday night’s National Draft.
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Twomey writes for the AFL website and is renowned for his expertise in the under 18 talent and has given The Daily Advertiser his thoughts on Riverina’s top five chances.
He believes Tuesday night shapes as a big win for AFL in the Riverina.
“It looks exceptional for the Riverina and obviously the Giants will be the main beneficiary of that,” he said.
“It’s exciting times for the area.”
Jacob Hopper: I think with Jacob a bid will come within the first 10 selections and GWS will match that first pick. Jacob’s had a terrific year where he has shrugged off injuries to play consistent football. Bids will come potentially from Brisbane, perhaps Carlton then if not then Adelaide will pull the trigger on him, then GWS will match it, even thought it will cost them some points, he’s too good of a player not to pick up.
Matt Kennedy: I think the way it’s probably going to pan out, the Draft is going to look a lot different than it has the last couple of years and with the bidding, Kennedy probably becomes the second player bid for from the Giants. Some clubs even rate Kennedy before Hopper. It won’t make too much difference when the bid comes, the Giants will match it and he will become a Giants player. He’s a remarkable story.
Matt Flynn: I think Matt will be picked up and he could go around the 30 mark. There are not many ruckmen around and he’s probably the second best ruckman available. There is definitely a proscribe about ruckmen and pickng up ruckmen in the Draft, there’s a thought that you’re better of going through Free Agency or waiting a couple of years down the track but Matt is the most complete ruckman this year. Western Bulldogs have looked into him as a possible bidder, they’re looking for a ruckman and have made no secret about that. It will then be up to GWS to match the bid.
Harry Himmelberg: I think he gets drafted and someone will bid on him in the 25-30 range. At that point it will be fascinating to see if GWS match it. They won’t want to go into deficit with their points because there are a lot of good Academy players to come in the next couple of years. The AFL grand final put the finishing touches on Harry’s season, which had ups and downs. He’s going to make an athletic key forward and has been compared to Cam McCarthy.
Jock Cornell: I think he’s probably more of a rookie list chance. He’s had some good games and some quiet games through the year but what he has shown is that he can kick goals, and get a lot of ball across half forward. The Bombers have been linked to him, they obviously know the family pretty well, so he may end up there.