Essendon welcomed Will Snelling via pick No.7 in the 2019 NAB AFL Mid-Season rookie draft. Snelling is a small midfielder, he is both fast and skilled and brings a hard edge to his midfield work. Snelling was initially drafted to Port Adelaide with their first selection and tenth overall in the 2016 rookie draft.
Archives: Talents
The Talents
Ryan Gardner
Ryan Gardner arrived at the Bulldogs with pick six overall in the 2019 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft. A key position player, known for his competitiveness, athleticism and versatility. Gardner previously spent three years on Geelong’s list after being drafted with pick 59 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft.
Cody Hirst
Widely-regarded as a ball-winner with a defensive edge, great goal-sense and ball-use, Cody Hirst was selected by the Sydney Swans at pick 16 in the 2019 mid-season draft.
Kate Lawrence
Kate Lawrence is a freelance interior designer based in Sydney where she successfully renovates and resells properties along with her partner, Luke Parker. She completed her studies in Interior Design & Decoration and has established a reputation for her work ethic, eye for detail and skill in conceptualisation. Her latest project involves an up-and-coming digital series with a highly sought after authority in all things property.
Brent Staker
Brent Staker was drafted to the West Coast Eagles, making his debut in 2003. He earned an AFL Rising Star Nomination in 2004. After playing 110 games and booting 84 goals for the West Coast Eagles, he headed East to continue his AFL career with the Brisbane Lions in 2009. He proved himself to be a key position player with the Lions and performed well on either end of the field. Staker retired in 2015.
Simon Black
Simon Black was one of the game’s most elite midfielders. Drafted to the Brisbane Lions in 1997, he swiftly became one of Brisbane’s best and most decorated players. He won the 2002 Brownlow Medal, the 2003 Norm Smith Medal, the 2001, 2002 and 2006 Merrett-Murray medals as well as three premiership medallions with the Lions in 2001, 2002 and 2003. He retired in 2013 after playing 322 games. In 2016, Black founded the Simon Black Australian Rules Academy, a full-time sport and education program which provides pathways for students to pursue University and Fitness qualifications while training and playing AFL in an elite academy environment.
Jack Ross
Jack Ross is a big-bodied midfielder who excels in and around the ball. He has great composure with ball in hand. Ross was drafted to Richmond with pick 43 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft.
Jacob Koschitzke
Jacob Koschitzke was drafted to Hawthorn with pick 52 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft. A versatile key position player, Koschitzke can play at either end of the ground using both his strength and athleticism.
Xavier Duursma
Xavier Duursma is a medium defender/midfielder with an exciting burst of speed that can break the lines from defence or out of the middle. A first round draft pick, Duursma was picked up by Port Adelaide with pick 18 in the 2018 NAB AFL National Draft.
Zac Foot
Zac Foot is a wingman with searing pace and a hunger to take the game on. Sydney nabbed Foot via its fourth-round pick at the 2018 AFL Draft, with the 17-year-old Victoria Country speedster signing as one of the youngest draftees.