Draft summary
“We didn’t necessarily focus on local players. We did have a list of guys across Australia but it just turned out they were mostly taken when it came around to us.
“While we had the balance of our list in mind at all times with our picks, in both drafts we focused on getting the best players available at that time and we are confident that we've done that.
“Two guys we targeted were van Berlo and Broughton as more mature players, and we took a liking to both during the season. With the young list we have, we were keen to get some guys like that into our group who could probably step up a little quicker.
“It's certainly a transitional period for the club with 14 new players coming into the group. It has been a solid campaign over the last few weeks for the recruiting and coaching staffs, but the recruiting guys like Phil Smart have done a terrific job in identifying the talent. We are rapt with the 14 players we've added and it's an exciting period for the club.”
Player comments
Selection No.3: Casey Sibosado
Oakleigh Chargers, Vic, Tall key position, October 13, 1990, 192.2cm, 85kg
We saw him play at the national championships, in school footy and with the Oakleigh Chargers and were very impressed. We are hoping he can develop into a key forward and he has a heap of natural ability. He has that X-factor about him, which is exciting. We were keen to get a good developing tall into our group who can help with the forward line down the track, but we also know that he can push further up the ground as he showed by playing on the wing in the 18s carnival.
Selection No.19: Matt DeBoer
Claremont, WA, Midfielder/wingman, March 10, 1990, 186.7cm, 83kg
He certainly knows how to find the footy and the thing we really liked about him was his work rate, and that he's a good sized midfielder. Athletically he did very well in every area at the testing and he's a good quality league footballer. He played a fair bit of league footy this year and we are confident he could step up again to the next level. He's someone we especially targeted and are delighted to get.
Selection No.34: Hamish Shepheard
East Perth, WA, Tall forward, October 28, 1990, 193.8cm, 81kg
We wanted to get a developing tall into our mix and he's someone we earmarked for that position quite early on. He's got good size about him and is also quite mobile, so he will be able to bolster our key defender stocks and can also push forward.
Selection No.48: Clancee Pearce
Swan Districts, WA, Medium defender, October 23, 1990, 182.3cm, 90kg
He had a terrific year and did especially well in the national championships where he first really caught our eye. He is a good mover across half-back, has a strong body and also kicks the ball well. I had a look at him training at Hawthorn over the last week and he appeared to fit in well there, and we are rapt to get him to our club because of how good a person and character he is.
Selection No.62: Jay van Berlo
West Perth, WA, Medium utility, September 18, 1988, 185cm, 77kg
He's an athletic guy, has terrific character and is basically the perfect mould of a footballer. Even though he's played a fair bit of league footy now, we see development left in him and it's exciting that he is good in attacking or negating roles. His negating roles with West Perth probably helped him develop quicker and we are sure he can step up to the next level again. He has all the athletic ability you'd want and I'm sure he'd do well if given the opportunity to play.
Selection No.74: Greg Broughton
Subiaco, WA, Defender, September 29, 1986, 184.9cm, 86kg
He's a player who deserved an opportunity and has good character, skills and the ability to negate. He's also very versatile as he can play on talls or smalls and in a number of positions. He's courageous, aggressive and consistent and there's a lot to like about him. He gives us tremendous depth and I'm sure he'll make the most of this opportunity. Like van Berlo, he's physically prepared for AFL footy now and it's up to them what they make of the chance.
