All three Greater Western Victoria Rebels can walk away from this week’s National AFL Draft Combine proud of their efforts, Rebels talent manager Phil Partington says.
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In what is the final opportunity for AFL hopefuls to showcase their skills and athletic ability to AFL recruiters and clubs – Lloyd Meek, Jordan Johnston and Aiden Domic all impressed.
The trio all ran personal bests in Friday’s 2km time trial while Lloyd Meek showed he was a big man with quality skills, finishing in the top ten of the kicking test with a score of 28 (out of 30).
Jordan Johnston demonstrated his athleticism with the sixth-highest standing vertical jump – 75cm. Aiden Domic showed-off his strong running ability with the sixth-fastest time in the 2km time trial – 6 minutes and 15 seconds.
Partington said while he felt all the boys performed well, the most pleasing aspect was their preparation to the week.
In what is a draining week, not only physically, but mentally with medical screenings, AFL club interviews and psychological tests while most of the boys have school exams coming up – getting through the combine in strong fashion was a great effort.
“We’re just really pleased with the way the boys have prepared and executed the week,” Partington said.
“All the boys can walk away quite happy and very pleased with how they’ve performed.
“In a high-pressure environment like the draft combine, they just know they’ve got to perform every time they’re out on the testing track or meeting with the AFL clubs – you’ve got to be impressive. The guys prepared extremely well and are pretty accustomed to performing under pressure.”
Rebels captain Callan Wellings attended Friday’s state-level combine, but he did not test given he is recovering from a hip flexor injury.
However, it was still a good opportunity to talk to clubs and Partington felt the lack of testing would not have an impact of Wellings’ draft chances given his impressive resume over the last few years.
This year’s AFL National Draft will be held on November 24 in Sydney.
PARTINGTON’S THOUGHTS
LLOYD MEEK
“The highlight for big Meeky was the 2km. He just battled really hard, he showed the AFL clubs that he can work very hard under duress.”
JORDAN JOHNSTON
“He’s certainly got some power in his legs and that showed with the vertical jump and he performed will in the 2km with a personal best.
AIDEN DOMIC
“His 2km at the end of the day was outstanding. His group was one of the best timed groups, so there was stiff competition, and I think he ended up second in his race.”
CALLAN WELLINGS
“Cal’s injured at the moment unfortunately. He was down there getting the medicals done and things like that.
“Cal’s had plenty of (AFL) club interviews the last two years with the Rebels – not testing won’t hurt his draft chances.”
All the boys can walk away quite happy and very pleased with how they’ve performed.
- GWV Rebels talent manager Phil Partington
