Michaela Meade
The Northern Knights’ 2021 AFL draft hopefuls have shown a lot of resilience over the year, according to head coach Leigh Clarke.
The Knights’ 2021 season was called off early in August due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Knights finished up the interrupted season third on the ladder with 24 points.
Clarke said the six draft hopefuls had found a way to stay fit and healthy throughout the pandemic, and were looking good ahead of the draft.
“2020 they missed out on the whole season, and [this year] missed out on half the year,” Clarke said.
“They always see the draft as a dream come true, and it’s not quite the same this year.
“It’s very similar to how they’ve had their year 12 year stripped away from them.
“But we’re really proud of how they’ve handled it all.”
Clarke said defender Darcy Wilmot had been a standout across programs in 2021.
He said Wilmot should be proud of himself and his efforts during the pandemic.
“He’s a standout,” Clarke said.
“His body of work, and how he approaches games and his preparations… he’s been able to really push himself.”
Josh Ward put in a top performance in the two kilometre time trial test during the combine, which Clarke said was expected.
Ward completed the test in five minutes and 57 seconds.
“That’s definitely one of his strengths,” Clarke said.
“He’s really intelligent, he’s a studious and diligent guy, so his year’s been spread across all of the things he wants to accomplish in footy and at school.
“He’s been fantastic.”
Ward came runner up for the best and fairest gong for the Knights.
Anthony Caminiti was more of a “specialty pick” for the draft this year, Clarke said.
Clarke said Caminiti brought some strong interest from crowds because of his strengths.
“His physical attributes are great – he’s strong, and quite tall,” he said.
“He only came through midway, and ended up really making an impact.
“He certainly shows upward strides in his skills.
“People are excited to see him.”
Ned Long was a similar case to Caminiti.
Clarke said he expected Long to be somewhat nervous during draft night.
“He took a lot of injuries this year, so he wasn’t able to put together a broad portfolio,” Clarke said.
“There’s interest there for him, though.
“We’re hopeful that on draft day it’ll pay off.”
Mature pick Ben De Bolfo was a rare find at the Knights’ level, Clarke said.
He said De Bolfo had some skills to show off, despite his age.
“He’s really impressed in the metro competition,” Clarke said.
“He’s made a significant impression in our culture.
“We’re sitting hopeful that someone will make a good decision and give him a chance.”
Final contender for the draft, defender Fitzgerald, was a consistent figure in the Knights’ defence throughout the year.
Fitzgerald’s strengths lie in his marking, rebounding and consistency.
He averaged 28 disposals in each game for the Knights this year.
The six hopefuls will have their fate decided next Wednesday, November 24.
