With the NAB AFL Draft fast approaching, we sat down with GIANTS Academy Head Coach Jason Saddington to see what he thinks of the nine academy products who have nominated for the draft.
Harry Perryman (Midfielder/ half-forward)
From: Collingullie/ GIANTS Academy/ NSW-ACT
Height: 184cm
Weight: 75kg
D.O.B: 19/12/1998
NEAFL Games: 1
A quality player who just moves like a natural footballer. Perryman isn't quick but twists and turns his way out of trouble and rarely gets caught. He has a background playing as a half-back, but this year has moved into the midfield where his strengths have come to the fore. He's equally as clever and classy on both feet, and knows where the goals are. Perryman plays in an unflustered and uncomplicated manner but always seems to make the right decision when in possession. Perryman made one appearance for the WSU GIANTS in their round 15 NEAFL win over Southport Sharks.
Saddington: “He’s a natural footballer and a student of the game. Harry is absolutely focused on his skills, understanding the game and most importantly enjoying it.
He’s developed a lot this year with his fitness and flexibility really growing which enabled him to have a super successful season.”
Plays Like: “I liken him a lot to Heath Shaw because Harry is quite flexible and reads the game in a similar way.”
Will Setterfield (Midfielder)
From: Sandringham Dragons/ GIANTS Academy/ NSW-ACT
Height: 190cm
Weight: 80kg
D.O.B: 5/2/1998
One of the smoothest movers in the draft, Setterfield combines a solid inside game as a midfielder with strong run and flow with ball in hand, and he rarely wastes a touch. The 18-year-old is the prototype for the new-age midfielder given his height and athleticism, and can play all over the ground. He finished his under-18s division two carnival for the winning Rams with 28 disposals and six tackles in a commanding showing. Despite living in Melbourne at boarding school and playing TAC Cup footy for the Sandringham Dragons, Setterfield is eligible for GIANTS academy, having moved from Albury.
Saddington: “Will is a classy, tall midfielder that I think every club is looking for these days. He’s an extremely intelligent individual. He’s very silky and has really good skills, and at 197cm he’s able to play some inside and outside roles”
Plays Like: “He might be a little taller than Josh Kelly but he’s got that silky aspect to his game and I know Josh is balanced inside and outside, and Will plays very similar.”
Zachary Sproule (Forward)
From: Murray Bushrangers/ GIANTS Academy
Weight: 197cm
Weight: 84kg
D.O.B: 12/5/1998
NEAFL Games: 1
Versatile tall forward or defender with a huge tank and an excellent long kick, whether from defence or at goal. Played mainly forward for NSW/ACT and Allies this year and played back for Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup. Member of the NAB AFL Academy and GIANTS Academy, he has elite running capacity for his size and has modeled his game on Carlton’s Patrick Cripps and Fremantle captain David Mundy. Sproule made his NEAFL debut for the WSU GIANTS in round 15 kicking a goal in their win over the Southport Sharks.
Saddington:
“Zach is an incredible athlete, at 197cm he’s extremely fit and has great endurance and pace for his size.He outruns his opponents and works so hard in games from the start to the finish, which is incredible for his size.
Zach is a key forward who can also play down back and is a very good set shot. If he adds some weight to his frame I think he can have a real impact at the next level.”
Plays Like: “Zach plays a bit like Jeremy Cameron in that he’s just got great running ability and is a little unpredictable at times.”
The 2016 NAB AFL Draft will take place from 7:00PM AEDST on Friday, November 21 at Sydney's Horden Pavillion.
