AFL/VFL: Hawthorn looks at Roosters' Big O

By David Brehaut
Updated November 2 2012 - 12:50pm, first published December 4 2009 - 12:11pm
AFL/VFL: Hawthorn looks at Roosters' Big O
AFL/VFL: Hawthorn looks at Roosters' Big O

HAWTHORN is considering pouncing on North Ballarat ruckman Orren Stephenson in the AFL rookie draft on Tuesday, December 15.The Hawks will put Stephenson under the microscope over three days next week and decide whether to recruit him as a mature-age rookie.Hawthorn put the dual North Ballarat premiership player through a series of tests yesterday, including a 2.2-kilometre time trial, vertical jump, sprint and general skills.He will train with a special squad of rookie draft prospects put together by the Hawks on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.Stephenson said it was exciting to be attracting some interest from AFL clubs again.He had a similar try-out with Carlton three years ago.The 27-year-old had talks with St Kilda in the lead-up to this year's national draft.However, the Saints opted for younger Richmond ruckman Adam Pattison.Hawthorn has a desperately depleted ruck division, with only Simon Taylor and Brent Renouf still standing following the retirement of Robert Campbell and long-term injury to Max Bailey (knee reconstruction).Stephenson has shown himself to be the best credentialed VFL-listed ruckman over the past two years.He represented the VFL against South Australia last year and has been one of the North Ballarat's most influential players in its grand final victories in the past two seasons.MEANWHILE, North Ballarat Rebels midfielder Josh Free is training with Richmond and former Rebels player Bryn Weadon is training with Geelong ahead of the rookie draft.Free is a son of former Richmond player Tony Free.Weadon was cut from Geelong rookie list at the end last season, but invited back by the Cats to train.

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