By Peter Douglas
Three top draft hopefuls from the Yarra Ranges have been confirmed as starters for this year’s crucial AFL Draft Combine in Melbourne.
Potential first-round draftees Joel Garner (Wandin), Jaidyn Stephenson (Ferntree Gully) and Sam Hayes (Ferntree Gully) will be among 83 players from around Australia taking part from 3-6 October at Etihad Stadium.
The Combine allows AFL clubs to gain a better look at the players’ physical and mental attributes.
The trio have all been rated as strong chances of being drafted, with some draft-watchers predicting Stephenson and Hayes could go in the top 10, with Garner predicted as a late first-round or early second-round chance.
Despite sitting seventh on the TAC Cup ladder, the Eastern Ranges have a wealth of talent at their disposal, with an incredible 10 Ranges’ players making up 29 of the Victoria Metro squad members to make the Combine cut.
Traditional heavyweights Sandringham Dragons (six representatives) and Oakleigh Chargers (four representatives) were the others to feature strongly.
More than two thirds of the players to attend the Combine will come from Victoria, with only eight from South Australia and 10 from Western Australia.
The players will be split into eight groups, based on their positions, for four days of testing, which will include two groups of medium midfielders and separate groups of tall forwards and ruckmen.
In the lead-up to the Combine, the local trio has performed exceptionally well.
Stephenson, in particular, would’ve impressed recruiters with his performances for Victoria Metro, booting five goals from 28 disposals against South Australia.
Hayes is listed as one of the most sought-after ruckmen in this year’s draft crop, while Garner, a good size at 183cm, has impressed at half-back and through the midfield.
