By Tara Murray
Tom McKenzie and Justin McInerney are the Northern Knights’ best two chances of being drafted in this week’s AFL drafts.
The two, who were among the standouts for the Knights this year, have caught the eyes of several clubs in the lead-up to the draft.
Knights’ coach Justin Wenke said both boys had spoken to a number of clubs in the past few months.
The national draft will be held over Thursday night and Friday, before the rookie draft later on Friday.
“We’ve got two boys on the radar, Tom and Justin,” Wenke said. “They are new boys in the program the last couple of years.”
McKenzie is the most likely of the two to be selected, having been chosen to attend the AFL draft combine.
Wenke said McKenzie’s football had improved in the past 12 months.
“Tom played some really good football as a bottom-ager for us last year,” he said.
“He played [Vic] Metro this year and had a really strong season with us.
“There’s a lot of interest from clubs about him.”
McInerney came through the Knights’ system a different way, only joining the club as a top-age player this year. Wenke said McInerney was a little underdeveloped at the bottom-age level and had taken some time to come through.
He said McInerney had a lot of upside and the skills that AFL clubs are looking for.
“He was a new player this year,” he said.
“We weren’t sure last season he had the physical strength to play TAC Cup level football. He played school footy and continued to improve.
“He got an opportunity in the pre-season and when he was available, he made an impact.
“His kicking, running and dash really elevated him.”
Wenke said they expected McInerney to be a late draft pick or taken in the rookie draft, with four to five clubs showing interest.
Wenke said outside of those two, skipper Braedyn Gillard loomed as the player to most likely be a draft bolter.
Gillard’s draft chances were harmed when he missed a large chunk of this year with an elbow injury.
“He’s a workman-like player,” Wenke said. “He got injured, but was able to play the last few games.
“He would more likely be a rookie choice if he was selected.”
FOR MORE TAC CUP NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/afl-draft-spotlight-on-young-guns-from-the-western-jets/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/calder-cannons-in-draft-sights/
