NARRANDERA product Harry Grintell remains bullish his name will be read out in next month's AFL draft, despite COVID protocols robbing Allies of a chance to put their best foot forward against South Australia on Sunday.
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After a handful of cases forced the Queensland border to shut down, the majority of the team was unable to travel for the national under-19 championships clash.
As a result the hosts won by about 90 points and Grintell, who would likely be drafted as a small forward if successful, spent most of the match in the midfield.
The Rock-Yerong Creek big man Jack Driscoll and Turvey Park forward Pat Voss were also chosen in the Allies squad, but didn't make the trip.
"There was only six or seven original Allies boys and the rest were South Australian under-17s. It was a bit weird," Grintell said.
"Most of the guys who were coming were in Queensland and they got locked out about three days before.
"It was still OK though, especially getting a chance to play on Adelaide Oval. I played midfield most and they weren't really that big bodied."
Grintell and Voss were also invited to the AFL Draft Combine at Melbourne, but Grintell said travel restrictions means he will now complete a 2km time trial by himself at some point over the next fortnight.
To be invited to the Combine at least five AFL clubs must have nominated a player in their top 50 most likely draftees.
"It makes me more confident having been invited to that, especially given it's the national one," he said.
"I wouldn't be too fussed, I'd go wherever to play but Giants would be the preference.
"I think being a small forward helps as there's not many of us."
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Grintell has spent much of this year travelling with Greater Western Sydney (GWS) as a top-up player for their VFL team, and by all reports has greatly impressed club hierarchy during that period.
With the VFL season on hold, Grintell has played in a number of AFL scratch matches, for clubs' players that are missing out on selection at the elite level.
He feels getting a chance to see how an AFL squad prepares firsthand will help him make the adjustment if picked up in the draft.
"I've learned heaps from the Giants boys. How quick the game is and how important the funadmentals are to your performance, and how professional you need to be.
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