Geelong will be strongly represented at this weekend’s AFL draft combines
Four Geelong Falcons will appear at the boys combines, as well as a Geelong Grammar student, the grandson of a Geelong icon, and a Cats VFL player.
St Mary’s Lachie Jaques will participate in the National Combine off the back of a strong campaign for Victoria Country at this year’s under-18 national championships.
Newtown and Chilwell’s Sara Howley will take part in the AFLW National Combine, with a trio of Falcons to appear at the AFLW State Combine.
Jaques has been a standout at every level this year, selected in the under-18 All-Australian side on a half-back flank.
Falcons regional talent operations lead Jesse Drever said he’d been fantastic all season long.
“The best thing about his year has been his consistency,” he said.
“He had some injuries towards the back end of last year, so the club put a lot of work into this year.
“He’s made every post a winner this year, had a really strong start to the season with the Falcons and earned his way into the Vic Country setup, and earned an All-Australian spot with how he performed in the carnival.
“He’s done everything he can, and the invitation shows that.
“On field, we love his leadership, and we love his ball use across half back. He’s set the team up all season with his use.
“He’s earned this opportunity, and we are looking forward to seeing how he performs at the combine.”
Howley – a dual club best and fairest and 2023 Talent League medallist – is also expected to make an impact.
“She’s been a really special player for us,” Drever said.
“She’s basically been in the spotlight since she was 16, and there was always talk about what her draft year would look like.
“She has been so impressive throughout it. She doesn’t get too high or low on where things are at, and whatever level she is at whether it’s national academy games or Vic Country or the Falcons, she delivers at the same level.
“She’s also a great presence off the field. She is really focused on her education, so she gets the balance right. As a person, she’s so impressive, even more than she is as a footballer.
“The combine is that next box for her to tick, but she’s shown at every level she will deliver.”
GWV Rebel and Bacchus Marsh player Sam Lalor – who attends Geelong Grammar – is viewed as a high-end prospect and will also be a part of the state combine.
“Sam’s had an interesting year,” Grammar’s Head of Football Troy Selwood said.
“Unfortunately, he’s battled through injury, and that’s resulted in a lack of continuity in his game.
“But the talent he has is really clear when he’s played. He had a fantastic season in his age 16 and 17 years, and that’s really shown what he’s capable of doing.
“He’s been unlucky this year, but he’ll get his opportunity to show what he’s capable of.”
The Geelong factor will also continue with Luke Trainor – the grandson of Cats legend Doug Wade – also backing up his under-18 All-Australian selection with a spot at the combine.
Bell Park’s Xavier Ivisic, along with Lara’s Daniel Lowther and Newton and Chillwell’s River Stevens, will all take part in the state combine, joining Cats VFL player Ajang kuol Mun.
St Mary’s pair Rebecca Clottey and Seisia White and Newtown and Chilwell’s Mekah Morrissy will appear at the AFLW state combine.
Selwood says Ivisic has impressed at every level he’s appeared at.
“He’s had a fantastic few years for us,” he said.
“The thing that stands out the most to me is how he applies himself at every level, not just in his football as well. He’s someone that stands out because of the kind of person he is.
“From a football perspective he’s one of those players that can do everything, he’s a really well rounded player and has an outstanding footy IQ. He’s a really good user of the footy, and he’s clean in his disposal.
“He’s got the skills to make it, and his reliability is one of his strong suits; you always know what you’re going to get from him, and as a coach, you couldn’t ask for much more from a player.
“He’s a quality young man; I think he’d be a real asset to any club he ends up with.”
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