Tasmania were far more competitive than last year, and look to have some very good players coming through over the next few years.
Jarrod Garth
Details:
Club: Clarence/Tasmania
DOB: 23 January 1986 Hgt: 188cm Wgt: 93kg
Position: Forward
Natural Foot: Left
Honours:
Tasmania 2003, 2004
State Screening Camp 2004
Strengths: Garth is a solid forward who can player taller than his 188cm but is no slouch when the ball hits the deck either. He is very strong in a one-on-one marking contest, but knows where the goals are and can snap some rippers.
Is very much a burst player and can tear a game apart in a few minutes. Has a booming kick on him and can be difficult to match up on. Apparently tested well for endurance at the state screening camp.
Weaknesses: Already 93kg, there must be queries over whether Garth will be able to dominate marking contests like he does now at AFL level, and his scope for improvement. Also a query over his discipline, can get distracted and drift out of the game.
Comment: Can look like a very good prospect at times, only to go missing soon afterwards. Probably worth a shot on a rookie list.
Details:
Club: Burnie Dockers/Tasmania
DOB: 1 July 1986 Hgt: 194cm Wgt: 83kg
Position: Centre Half Forward/Centre Half Back
Natural Foot: Right
Honours:
Tasmania 2003,2004 (Captain)
National Draft Camp 2004
Strengths: Another developing key position player, Lee usually plays forward and is a strong contested mark and presents hard all day. Is a good set shot for goal and played several games for Tasmania in the VFL in 2004.
He was ranked in the top 5 for the agility test at draft camp, an impressive effort for a big man. Also has very good recovery skills, good leadership and is prepared to put his body on the line.
Weaknesses: Was disappointing in the carnival, failing to have an impact. Struggles to put a stamp on the game and can go missing.
Comment: Was highly rated at the start of the season but was fairly disappointing in the underage games for Tassie. Might not have done enough to be drafted, but will be looked at late or for a rookie list.
Details:
Club: Launceston/Tasmania
DOB: 12 April 1986 Hgt: 193cm Wgt: 78kg
Position: Ruck
Natural Foot: Right
Honours:
Tasmania 2003, 2004
State Screening Camp 2004
Strengths: Nathan is a mobile ruckman who is very raw but has shown potential several times for Tasmania over the past two years. His father Paul played one game for the Kangaroos in 1976.
O'Donoghue beat Earl Shaw in the final game of the carnival this year, and works hard around the ground taking some good grabs. His tapwork is very good for an underage player and he has good pace for his size.
Weaknesses: Needs to put on a lot of weight before he would be ready for AFL football. Kicking can be a mixed bag. Concern might be he is too small to play ruck at AFL level.
Comment: Shown quite a lot of promise at times and could be worth a look for a rookie list, as he may have the ability to play as a key forward.
Details:
Club: Clarence/Tasmania
DOB: 26 January 1987 Hgt: 183cm Wgt: 85kg
Position: Onballer
Natural Foot: Right
Honours:
AIS/AFL Academy 2003
Tasmania 2004
All Australian 2004
National Draft Camp 2004
Strengths: Sherman is a medium sized midfielder with solid skills and a good ability to find the footy. There is nothing spectacular about his style of play, but he does a lot of things well and tends to make good decisions on the field.
He has good pace and likes to carry the footy, but can also win it in close at stoppages when required. Is a good size, long kick and likes to drift forward and kick a goal. Kicked 4 goals for the Allies against the combined TAC Cup side. Not super quick but quick enough.
Weaknesses: Been solid rather than outstanding might deter some clubs. Kicking is usually good but can occasionally miss the mark.
Comment: Sherman looks like a solid player who will add to the midfield depth of the side who selects him.
Details:
Club: Burnie Dockers/Tasmania
DOB: 1 October 1986 Hgt: 196cm Wgt: 84kg
Position: Ruck
Natural Foot: Right
Honours:
Tasmania 2003
National Draft Camp 2004
Strengths: Wells was a player who impressed me a lot over 2003 and the beginning of 2004. However, he missed the carnival after doing his knee against Eastern in a lead-up match.
Wells has a good leap and his tapwork was excellent for an underage ruckman. He was absolutely dominating the Eastern game until he went down injured. Moves incredibly well for a big man (was in the top 5 for the 20m sprint at draft camp)
Weaknesses: At 196cm, may be too short to ruck at AFL unless he grows some more. But the big query is how the injury has affected him.
Comment: Very hard to place. I'm a fan of this kid, has looked promising every time I've seen him. Draft Camp might determine his fate given the lack of exposure in 2004. If we can rookie him itβs a good selection.
Allan Bielski β 181, 68. Very skinny wingman with OK skills and pace, but would need to put on a lot of weight.
Todd Grima β 190, 77. Forward who has a little bit of class about him and can also play back. Kicked 6 goals in a quarter earlier in the year against Gippsland. Still very young.
Sam Lonergan β 181, 79. Onballer who impressed for Tasmania throughout the year. Gets a bit of the footy and uses it well. Good attack on the ball as well. Also has another year of underage footy if needed.