On the eve of Northern Territory’s first match of the 2015 NAB AFL U18 Championships, I thought I’d go through who I believe to be the top five most draftable prospects from the Territory. This list has been formed through discussions with AFL recruiters, draft experts and my own personal opinion.
1 – Davin Ferreira – The tenacious midfielder/forward has enjoyed a phenomenal past 12 months of footy. He was a revelation for Wanderers during the 2014/15 Premier League season and coach Andrew Hodges will love the opportunity to work with him again through the Northern Territory U18s team. Ferreira was an integral member of the Eagles’ premiership team with his tackling pressure around the football a standout. Ferreira is currently boarding at Rostrevor College in Adelaide and is currently turning heads at Norwood. After booting 14 goals in his six appearances at SANFL Reserves level, Ferreira was a standout on debut for the League team last weekend with 18 disposals and three goals. His speed and agility is top notch and his commitment and attitude to football will hold him in good stead. The main question marks surrounding Ferreira will be his lack of height. With AFL players getting bigger and bigger, players such as Ferreira, who stand under the 180cm mark, need to be elite. However if he can produce solid form at the Championships, he is a massive chance to hear his name read out.
2 – Daly Shannon – A tall, lean and athletic midfielder, Shannon has been in terrific form for Melbourne Grammar in the Private Schools competition in Melbourne. A number of AFL clubs are circling the Nightcliff junior due to his silky skills and running capabilities. Shannon has regularly featured in his school’s best players list and has averaged close to 30 possessions per game. His physicality is an area of his game he can improve on and AFL recruiters will be watching closely to see how he handles the step up to NAB AFL U18 Championships level.
3 – Ryan Nyhuis – This young Nightcliff defender is another that has progressed his football in leaps and bounds over the past 12 months. Ryan “the Giant-Killer” Nyhuis has been given a number of big tasks throughout the NTFL and NEAFL seasons and has relished the opportunities. After getting the better of Stephen Milne on a couple of occasions last NTFL season, he has been impressive in his senior games for the NT Thunder with stopping jobs on Aspley’s Eddie Sansbury and UWS’ Jed Lamb. He goes about his business with very little fuss or fanfare but underestimate him at your own peril. His ability to spoil and his neat skills means he is far from a one-trick-pony as a defender. Nyhuis will need to show more of his offensive ability during these championships. He lacks the size to be a key position player at AFL level so recruiters will want to see more versatility from him. Expect plenty of midfield time throughout the championships.
4 – Michael Hagan – The young Buffaloes player will be well-known to recruiters through his previous involvement with the AIS-AFL Academy. The son of NT legend Norm Hagan, Michael has had plenty of senior football experience in the NTFL. His past couple of games for the Northern Territory U18s at TAC Cup level have been good but he’ll need to produce quality football in the coming months. Hagan is very slightly built but his agility and blistering speed will no doubt tick the boxes.
5 – Michaelis McMasters – The Centralian possesses the explosive speed and agility that we have come to know from many Territory players that have played in the AFL. He is a relatively unknown prospect but this could all change if he has a big NAB AFL U18 Championships. A couple of recruiters from AFL clubs have made enquiries about him and will be watching the Buffaloes NTFL player closely over the next month.
About Jackson Clark
Born and bred in Darwin, Northern Territory, I am a young, aspiring football writer that lives and breathes the game of Australian Football. I'm also a keen player and coach.
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Jackson having the privilege of watching Davin make his SANFL debut last week end I will be stunned if he is not picked up agreed his lack of height is a hinderance but his speed sure hands and tackling will make sure hid name Iis called http://www.footyalmanac.com.au/sanfl-round-10-sturt-v-norwood-ferreira-is-a-ferrari/#comments
height did not effect tony liberatore or speed !!!!
Sad to see that Ferreria busted his ankle in the match. A loss for not only NT but also for the Redlegs in the SANFL after his great debut the week before. Lets hope it does not hinder his chances of being picked up.
Davins ankle is not broken ( still doesn’t sound good) scans tomorrow