Review 2023 National Draft Review Thread II [McKercher, Z.Duursma, Goad, W.Dawson, Hardeman, Maley]

[4cunningTonneTruck]

how many picks are we expecting to want to take?

4-5

 

[giantroo]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-draft-2023-tasmanian-bolter-arie-schoenmaker-on-turning-fortunes-around-after-10week-ban/news-story/a3bd727ecac677015cd5baa2680b0313

Tasmanian bolter Arie Schoenmaker on turning fortunes around after 10-week ban​

Arie Schoenmaker’s draft chances were in tatters when he was hit with a 10-week internal suspension. In an honest interview, the draft bolter opens up on how he turned his fortunes around.

Dan Batten
@danbatten_

4 min read
October 10, 2023 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom



Arie Schoenmaker knows he stuffed up big time.

Coming off a promising bottom-age season that culminated in playing in the U17 Futures match on grand final day, Schoenmaker vanished off the face of the earth in the first half of his draft year.

The talented Tasmanian had been hit with a 10-week suspension from the Tasmania Devils for an indiscretion involving alcohol with a group of his teammates at a training camp, leaving his draft chances in tatters.

It was a massive wake-up call for Schoenmaker. The “dumb”, immature mistake put serious question marks over his professionalism and how much he wanted this opportunity that kids across the country dream of.

Arie Schoenmaker was suspended for 10 weeks for an incident at training camp. Picture: Getty Images

“It was a bit embarrassing coming back (to the Devils program) after doing that. I had so many good things going for me and I kind of ruined them. Obviously word gets around and then it is just embarrassing,” Schoenmaker said.

“Put a bit of a mark on the program as well which is what I look at. It wasn’t just myself as a person but also ‘what are the Tassie Devils about’.

“I just put it down to being young and immature and making a mistake. I look back at it and go ‘it was so dumb’ but in the moment it’s that split decision.

“I made the wrong decision within that split time frame and it’s uncontrollable now, I can’t control what happened.”

Schoenmaker knew he had to work twice as hard to put himself back into the draft frame and win back the respect of his teammates, coaches and AFL clubs.

“I think obviously there were some question marks over professionalism and the standards that I had. My mum was massive on coming up with a list of values that I wanted to instil in myself and I did those and I look at them every day,” Schoenmaker said.

“It made me look at how hard I wanted it, so I had to work a lot harder.”

THE ROAD BACK​

Schoenmaker owned the mistake and immediately got to work.

Unable to play for the Tasmania Devils, Schoenmaker instead took the field for Launceston in the Tasmania State League, where he gained valuable experience against senior bodies.

He kept in close contact with the other banned players and did sessions with them as they moved to “change the narrative”.


“There was a group of us, about 10 or 15 kids ranging from the north and the south as well so we were in different regions but we had close contact with each other,” Schoenmaker said.

After copping his whack, Schoenmaker came back with a bang in the Coates Talent League.

Schoenmaker registered a whopping 36 disposals, 19 rebound 50s, nine intercepts and 237 SuperCoach ranking points in his return game for the Devils.

It took Schoenmaker just three games at Talent League level to be jettisoned into the talent-stacked Allies side at the national championships in July where he wowed onlookers yet again.

He was filled with nerves before that match against Vic Metro but Allies coach and former Essendon star Mark McVeigh

Mark Mcveigh

Age

43

Ht

184cm

Wt

85kg

Pos.

D/M

Career

Season

Last 5

D

17.1

4star

K

11.6

4star

HB

5.5

4star

M

3.6

4star

T

3.0

5star

No current season stats available

D

18.4

5star

K

13.6

5star

HB

4.8

4star

M

5.6

5star

T

2.0

4star

encouraged him to play with the freedom that saw him burst onto the draft radar in the first place.

Schoenmaker did just that, launching a long bomb goal off a couple of steps from outside 50 inside the first 10 minutes and then slotting another fantastic goal on the run from the boundary in the third term, finishing with 20 disposals, 10 marks and two goals.

Schoenmaker turned heads against Vic Metro in his first game for the Allies. Picture: Getty Images

“I was really nervous coming into that game but ‘Spike’ (McVeigh) pretty much gave me the lenience I suppose and the confidence to do what I do. And I think the team around me also allowed that as well which is a credit to those boys,” he said.

It was an emphatic performance that showed off his rare gifts – there aren’t too many 194cm defenders who can kick the ball 60m and roam up and down the ground like a wingman.

Schoenmaker’s strong form continued for the Devils in their finals run – including two more stunning goals on the run from beyond the arc – to elevate himself into the second-round mix.

ARIE’S TRANSFORMATION​

Fast forward to grand final day this year and the superboot was competing in Fox Footy’s longest kick competition on the Yarra.

It’s a far cry from the dark times he experienced with his draft chances up in the air, and epitomised his dramatic transformation since his mistake.


As it stands, Schoenmaker has spoken to almost every club ahead of the draft and, understandably, he has been grilled about the incident earlier in the year.

While he fully acknowledges his error, the youngster views it as a steep learning curve that has allowed him to become a better person, player and leader.

His bond with the other teammates involved in the indiscretion is even stronger, and several of them managed to return to the Devils after their bans ended.

Schoenmaker has a booming kick. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Every club I’ve spoken to they always ask about it but big thing is, for me, turning what was a negative into a positive,” Schoenmaker said.

“I’ve learned so much about myself as a person stuff about values, stuff about my teammates, my coaches and also my family.

“I’m really proud of myself and the steps I’ve taken forward from the incident. It’s put me in better stead to become a better person and I’ve still got the same connections I had before the incident but they’re even better now.

​

“It was pretty sad times, looking at the draft chances and they were slipping and you know I’ve made a mistake but it’s about how you come back.”

Schoenmaker owes his parents and coaches at Tasmania Devils, led by talent manager and former Tiger Jeromey Webberley

Jeromey Webberley

Age

36

Ht

182cm

Wt

80kg

Pos.

Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D

11.1

3star

K

6.8

3star

HB

4.3

3star

M

2.9

3star

T

1.6

4star

No current season stats available

D

14.4

4star

K

9.8

4star

HB

4.6

4star

M

3.4

4star

T

2.8

5star

, plenty of thanks for sticking with him and helping him turn his fortunes around.

“My mum and dad have been huge. And also from the coaches as well, they helped me a lot. They gave me my whack but they’ve also helped me come back and become a better person so Jez, Nathan Warren as well,” he said.

 

[blackshadow]

It's Highpoint, not Northcote Plaza or Knox Westfield.

Only thing to photoshop out of the Highpoint photos would be all the lovely young families being good little consumers.

How dare you disparage the plaza!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[the rooboy]

I really hope we draft McKercher, Curtin Shoenmaker and Will Dawson i think that sets up our backline for the future and McKercher is a point of difference in our midfield.


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

 

[Sphynx]

View attachment 1826820

He's the most non-Collingwood player ever, I just can't hate him.

He'd be the one guy I'd dop my hat to and stand up and applaud if he passed Boomers record.

 

[Kanga Glory]

 

[Souup]

Few random thoughts:

- After being lower than most for quite some time, I've really come around to Duursma. Still have him at #5 but after reviewing a lot of footage on him, I'm a fan.

- I still can't believe Darcy Wilson and Mitch Edwards are not considered consensus top 10 picks. Someone is getting a bargain with these two.

- Unfortunately for us, I think Caddy's agility time will cement him a spot in the top 10 - I think there was possibility earlier he could slide a little to the early teens, but I'm not sure that'll happen anymore.

- I'm not confident Logan Morris gets drafted, and if he does, I think it's super late or as a rookie.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-draft-2023-tasmanian-bolter-arie-schoenmaker-on-turning-fortunes-around-after-10week-ban/news-story/a3bd727ecac677015cd5baa2680b0313

Tasmanian bolter Arie Schoenmaker on turning fortunes around after 10-week ban​

Arie Schoenmaker’s draft chances were in tatters when he was hit with a 10-week internal suspension. In an honest interview, the draft bolter opens up on how he turned his fortunes around.

Dan Batten
@danbatten_

4 min read
October 10, 2023 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom



Arie Schoenmaker knows he stuffed up big time.

Coming off a promising bottom-age season that culminated in playing in the U17 Futures match on grand final day, Schoenmaker vanished off the face of the earth in the first half of his draft year.

The talented Tasmanian had been hit with a 10-week suspension from the Tasmania Devils for an indiscretion involving alcohol with a group of his teammates at a training camp, leaving his draft chances in tatters.

It was a massive wake-up call for Schoenmaker. The “dumb”, immature mistake put serious question marks over his professionalism and how much he wanted this opportunity that kids across the country dream of.

Arie Schoenmaker was suspended for 10 weeks for an incident at training camp. Picture: Getty Images

“It was a bit embarrassing coming back (to the Devils program) after doing that. I had so many good things going for me and I kind of ruined them. Obviously word gets around and then it is just embarrassing,” Schoenmaker said.

“Put a bit of a mark on the program as well which is what I look at. It wasn’t just myself as a person but also ‘what are the Tassie Devils about’.

“I just put it down to being young and immature and making a mistake. I look back at it and go ‘it was so dumb’ but in the moment it’s that split decision.

“I made the wrong decision within that split time frame and it’s uncontrollable now, I can’t control what happened.”

Schoenmaker knew he had to work twice as hard to put himself back into the draft frame and win back the respect of his teammates, coaches and AFL clubs.

“I think obviously there were some question marks over professionalism and the standards that I had. My mum was massive on coming up with a list of values that I wanted to instil in myself and I did those and I look at them every day,” Schoenmaker said.

“It made me look at how hard I wanted it, so I had to work a lot harder.”

THE ROAD BACK​

Schoenmaker owned the mistake and immediately got to work.

Unable to play for the Tasmania Devils, Schoenmaker instead took the field for Launceston in the Tasmania State League, where he gained valuable experience against senior bodies.

He kept in close contact with the other banned players and did sessions with them as they moved to “change the narrative”.


“There was a group of us, about 10 or 15 kids ranging from the north and the south as well so we were in different regions but we had close contact with each other,” Schoenmaker said.

After copping his whack, Schoenmaker came back with a bang in the Coates Talent League.

Schoenmaker registered a whopping 36 disposals, 19 rebound 50s, nine intercepts and 237 SuperCoach ranking points in his return game for the Devils.

It took Schoenmaker just three games at Talent League level to be jettisoned into the talent-stacked Allies side at the national championships in July where he wowed onlookers yet again.

He was filled with nerves before that match against Vic Metro but Allies coach and former Essendon star Mark McVeigh encouraged him to play with the freedom that saw him burst onto the draft radar in the first place.

Schoenmaker did just that, launching a long bomb goal off a couple of steps from outside 50 inside the first 10 minutes and then slotting another fantastic goal on the run from the boundary in the third term, finishing with 20 disposals, 10 marks and two goals.

Schoenmaker turned heads against Vic Metro in his first game for the Allies. Picture: Getty Images

“I was really nervous coming into that game but ‘Spike’ (McVeigh) pretty much gave me the lenience I suppose and the confidence to do what I do. And I think the team around me also allowed that as well which is a credit to those boys,” he said.

It was an emphatic performance that showed off his rare gifts – there aren’t too many 194cm defenders who can kick the ball 60m and roam up and down the ground like a wingman.

Schoenmaker’s strong form continued for the Devils in their finals run – including two more stunning goals on the run from beyond the arc – to elevate himself into the second-round mix.

ARIE’S TRANSFORMATION​

Fast forward to grand final day this year and the superboot was competing in Fox Footy’s longest kick competition on the Yarra.

It’s a far cry from the dark times he experienced with his draft chances up in the air, and epitomised his dramatic transformation since his mistake.


As it stands, Schoenmaker has spoken to almost every club ahead of the draft and, understandably, he has been grilled about the incident earlier in the year.

While he fully acknowledges his error, the youngster views it as a steep learning curve that has allowed him to become a better person, player and leader.

His bond with the other teammates involved in the indiscretion is even stronger, and several of them managed to return to the Devils after their bans ended.

Schoenmaker has a booming kick. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Every club I’ve spoken to they always ask about it but big thing is, for me, turning what was a negative into a positive,” Schoenmaker said.

“I’ve learned so much about myself as a person stuff about values, stuff about my teammates, my coaches and also my family.

“I’m really proud of myself and the steps I’ve taken forward from the incident. It’s put me in better stead to become a better person and I’ve still got the same connections I had before the incident but they’re even better now.

​

“It was pretty sad times, looking at the draft chances and they were slipping and you know I’ve made a mistake but it’s about how you come back.”

Schoenmaker owes his parents and coaches at Tasmania Devils, led by talent manager and former Tiger Jeromey Webberley, plenty of thanks for sticking with him and helping him turn his fortunes around.

“My mum and dad have been huge. And also from the coaches as well, they helped me a lot. They gave me my whack but they’ve also helped me come back and become a better person so Jez, Nathan Warren as well,” he said.

Really want to get him.

He isn’t the best defender going around but not many talls can kick the ball like him. Also has a well developed tank and a frame that will allow him to be a solid lad.

One of the biggest things for most talls is learning how to find the footy and Schoey does it with ease no matter what position he plays.

So much upside.

 

[Heaps of fun]

Really want to get him.

He isn’t the best defender going around but not many talls can kick the ball like him. Also has a well developed tank and a frame that will allow him to be a solid lad.

One of the biggest things for most talls is learning how to find the footy and Schoey does it with ease no matter what position he plays.

So much upside.

From that description he sounds like Jeremy Finlayson.

 

[Sphynx]

Few random thoughts:

- After being lower than most for quite some time, I've really come around to Duursma. Still have him at #5 but after reviewing a lot of footage on him, I'm a fan.

- I still can't believe Darcy Wilson and Mitch Edwards are not considered consensus top 10 picks. Someone is getting a bargain with these two.

- Unfortunately for us, I think Caddy's agility time will cement him a spot in the top 10 - I think there was possibility earlier be could slide a little to the early teens, but I'm not sure that'll happen anymore.

- I'm not confident Logan Morris gets drafted, and if he does, I think it's super late or as a rookie.

This seems like a big change from you.

IIRC you had him pegged as possible top 5 at the start of the year?

I thought he had a decent year, is it his athletic testing that's done it?

 

[Bojan KantKick]

Few random thoughts:

- After being lower than most for quite some time, I've really come around to Duursma. Still have him at #5 but after reviewing a lot of footage on him, I'm a fan.

- I still can't believe Darcy Wilson and Mitch Edwards are not considered consensus top 10 picks. Someone is getting a bargain with these two.

- Unfortunately for us, I think Caddy's agility time will cement him a spot in the top 10 - I think there was possibility earlier be could slide a little to the early teens, but I'm not sure that'll happen anymore.

- I'm not confident Logan Morris gets drafted, and if he does, I think it's super late or as a rookie.

Sorry to be a pedant but why have you changed your mind on Duursma?

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Few random thoughts:

- After being lower than most for quite some time, I've really come around to Duursma. Still have him at #5 but after reviewing a lot of footage on him, I'm a fan.

- I still can't believe Darcy Wilson and Mitch Edwards are not considered consensus top 10 picks. Someone is getting a bargain with these two.

- Unfortunately for us, I think Caddy's agility time will cement him a spot in the top 10 - I think there was possibility earlier be could slide a little to the early teens, but I'm not sure that'll happen anymore.

- I'm not confident Logan Morris gets drafted, and if he does, I think it's super late or as a rookie.

What position do you think Duursma plays at AFL level? Think he can transition to a wing or midfield? I’m still not sold on him. I see a lot of talk about his “class” but I don’t see elite vision nor the skill to bite off low % kicks like someone like Connor Rozee does.

Wilson will make a few look silly especially if he is taken beyond pick 12-15 (highly unlikely). Not only is he a freakish runner, but he can play all across the park. Last year I said Ollie Hollands was a sure thing to be a 200 gamer, I’m even surer that Wilson will be too (injuries aside).

Morris, Moir and Philactides for me are three really interesting ones to watch come draft night. I think Morris has more than enough tools to be an AFL footballer, particularly his contested marking but clubs wants players to be more athletic. The question is will he be able to get separation at AFL level?

Moir & Philactides could fall way down in the draft pecking order. Moir has all the talent in the world but just didn’t put it together this year while Philactides has many draftable traits like speed/dash ect but from my understanding many clubs are concerned about his ability to play team defence, and have concerns about his inconsistent foot skills/decision making.

In your opinion do you think there is any players that come from the clouds and get picked in the top 20 or 30?

 

[Bojan KantKick]

Really want to get him.

He isn’t the best defender going around but not many talls can kick the ball like him. Also has a well developed tank and a frame that will allow him to be a solid lad.

One of the biggest things for most talls is learning how to find the footy and Schoey does it with ease no matter what position he plays.

So much upside.

If we are looking for a tall rebounding defender, is there much difference between him and Curtin? I'm a big fan of both.

 

[Sphynx]

What position do you think Duursma plays at AFL level? Think he can transition to a wing or midfield? I’m still not sold on him. I see a lot of talk about his “class” but I don’t see elite vision nor the skill to bite off low % kicks like someone like Connor Rozee does.

Wilson will make a few look silly especially if he is taken beyond pick 12-15 (highly unlikely). Not only is he a freakish runner, but he can play all across the park. Last year I said Ollie Hollands was a sure thing to be a 200 gamer, I’m even surer that Wilson will be too (injuries aside).

Morris, Moir and Philactides for me are three really interesting ones to watch come draft night. I think Morris has more than enough tools to be an AFL footballer, particularly his contested marking but clubs wants players to be more athletic. The question is will he be able to get separation at AFL level?

Moir & Philactides could fall way down in the draft pecking order. Moir has all the talent in the world but just didn’t put it together this year while Philactides has many draftable traits like speed/dash ect but from my understanding many clubs are concerned about his ability to play team defence, and have concerns about his inconsistent foot skills/decision making.

In your opinion do you think there is any players that come from the clouds and get picked in the top 20 or 30?

The Wilson vs Hollands discussion is what I love about the intricacies of the draft.

I would take most of the second half of the top 10 of last years draft over this years, but I think Wilson is a much better prospect than Hollands and they likely go the same spot in the draft.

That either says that Wilson is really underrated or Hollands was overrated, or a mix of both.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

If we are looking for a tall rebounding defender, is there much difference between him and Curtin? I'm a big fan of both.

Schoey is a better/longer kick. Curtin is better defensively and has more composure. Curtin has more upside with a better athletic profile. But I guess it depends on the price you pay for both. Curtin you pay a high price, whereas Schoey you are likely going to pick him with a pick in the mid twenties.

 

[Sphynx]

What position do you think Duursma plays at AFL level? Think he can transition to a wing or midfield? I’m still not sold on him. I see a lot of talk about his “class” but I don’t see elite vision nor the skill to bite off low % kicks like someone like Connor Rozee does.

Wilson will make a few look silly especially if he is taken beyond pick 12-15 (highly unlikely). Not only is he a freakish runner, but he can play all across the park. Last year I said Ollie Hollands was a sure thing to be a 200 gamer, I’m even surer that Wilson will be too (injuries aside).

Morris, Moir and Philactides for me are three really interesting ones to watch come draft night. I think Morris has more than enough tools to be an AFL footballer, particularly his contested marking but clubs wants players to be more athletic. The question is will he be able to get separation at AFL level?

Moir & Philactides could fall way down in the draft pecking order. Moir has all the talent in the world but just didn’t put it together this year while Philactides has many draftable traits like speed/dash ect but from my understanding many clubs are concerned about his ability to play team defence, and have concerns about his inconsistent foot skills/decision making.

In your opinion do you think there is any players that come from the clouds and get picked in the top 20 or 30?

You have to give Duursma his due.

He kicked almost as many goals as Sheezel did last year, whilst getting it almost 20 times a game.

His numbers on paper are better than both Reid and Caddy in virtually the same role.

If you cut out his midfield games from his averages, his stats would look even better.

If he's a 1.5+ goal per game half fwd/midfielder with those same disposal numbers, he's probably an AA contender.

If you exclude his first few games of the year he averages 19.2 touches and 3.3 goals per game.

Those are outstanding numbers for a guy with a fair bit of physical development to come.

I really do think Isaac Heeney is his best AFL comparison.

Who has a fairly similar statline to Duursma and a similar style

 

[Ura]

ZZ Top
6th 20m sprint
5th agility test
1st standing vertical
6th running vertical

If you told me a recent basketball convert would have those results as a 196cm well built kid, and outplay Curtin on grand final day, I’d say draft him.

I really like ZZ but there is a reason he will be drafted a lot later then Curtin. Will also be a slower burn developing.

 

[Better Loosen Up]

If find it a bit weird that people don't want to give up 2 and 14 for Reid, but are ok with trading up from 14 or 19 to get Caddy or O'Sullivan inside 10. If we give up 14, we can potentially get back inside 15 with future pick(s) to clubs who need them. If we can get away with not giving up 14 this year then great, but I have a feeling the picks might move around a bit.

I would rather we use our 2 priority picks for next year to get an earlier pick in this years draft

 

[Souup]

This seems like a big change from you.

IIRC you had him pegged as possible top 5 at the start of the year?

I thought he had a decent year, is it his athletic testing that's done it?

I did - mixture of athletic testing and him basically stagnating at his height. Being closer to mid 190's would have improved his chances, but 192cm mixed with low end agility is a bit of a red flag. His performances speak for themselves though and I think he's done enough to be drafted and given a go, but whether AFL clubs feel the same, we'll see.

Sorry to be a pedant but why have you changed your mind on Duursma?

I love his mix of athleticism, height, scope for development (he's still got ~10kg to put on), potential versatility and clearly his performances in the back half of the year. I've gone over some of his midfield games earlier in the Coates season and I really liked his cleanliness, his composure and ability to link up around the ground. He's a genuine link-up player around the ground due to how strong he is in the air, but he's also very good on the spread from the contest. He's also just a killer in the forward line too - great hands, effective when the ball hits the deck, excellent leading patterns and timing and just knows where the goals are.

Basically you have someone with a lot of scope for development, and then he was the best performing player in the second half of the year. It's a rare thing to see - guys like Reid, Mckercher and Sanders are basically playing at their ideal playing weight, whereas Duursma is still quite skinny.

What position do you think Duursma plays at AFL level? Think he can transition to a wing or midfield? I’m still not sold on him. I see a lot of talk about his “class” but I don’t see elite vision nor the skill to bite off low % kicks like someone like Connor Rozee does.

Wilson will make a few look silly especially if he is taken beyond pick 12-15 (highly unlikely). Not only is he a freakish runner, but he can play all across the park. Last year I said Ollie Hollands was a sure thing to be a 200 gamer, I’m even surer that Wilson will be too (injuries aside).

Morris, Moir and Philactides for me are three really interesting ones to watch come draft night. I think Morris has more than enough tools to be an AFL footballer, particularly his contested marking but clubs wants players to be more athletic. The question is will he be able to get separation at AFL level?

Moir & Philactides could fall way down in the draft pecking order. Moir has all the talent in the world but just didn’t put it together this year while Philactides has many draftable traits like speed/dash ect but from my understanding many clubs are concerned about his ability to play team defence, and have concerns about his inconsistent foot skills/decision making.

In your opinion do you think there is any players that come from the clouds and get picked in the top 20 or 30?

I think Duursma settles in as a fwd-mid, similar to Jake Stringer. I can also see him playing as a winger or half back to be honest.

If I had to pick a bolter, I've liked Taylor Goad for a while now. 170cm Thomas Burke from Geelong Falcons is a poor man's Nick Watson. I really like 186cm Oscar Ryan and his ability to play a number of roles in defence, I feel like he does everything well and is just a fundamentals type, similar to a Corey Enright.

 

[kool kangas]

I would rather we use our 2 priority picks for next year to get an earlier pick in this years draft

Geelongs 1st pick is what we should be going after with our future PPs..

 

[LB2Snake]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-draft-2023-tasmanian-bolter-arie-schoenmaker-on-turning-fortunes-around-after-10week-ban/news-story/a3bd727ecac677015cd5baa2680b0313

Tasmanian bolter Arie Schoenmaker on turning fortunes around after 10-week ban​

Arie Schoenmaker’s draft chances were in tatters when he was hit with a 10-week internal suspension. In an honest interview, the draft bolter opens up on how he turned his fortunes around.

Dan Batten
@danbatten_

4 min read
October 10, 2023 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom



Arie Schoenmaker knows he stuffed up big time.

Coming off a promising bottom-age season that culminated in playing in the U17 Futures match on grand final day, Schoenmaker vanished off the face of the earth in the first half of his draft year.

The talented Tasmanian had been hit with a 10-week suspension from the Tasmania Devils for an indiscretion involving alcohol with a group of his teammates at a training camp, leaving his draft chances in tatters.

It was a massive wake-up call for Schoenmaker. The “dumb”, immature mistake put serious question marks over his professionalism and how much he wanted this opportunity that kids across the country dream of.

Arie Schoenmaker was suspended for 10 weeks for an incident at training camp. Picture: Getty Images

“It was a bit embarrassing coming back (to the Devils program) after doing that. I had so many good things going for me and I kind of ruined them. Obviously word gets around and then it is just embarrassing,” Schoenmaker said.

“Put a bit of a mark on the program as well which is what I look at. It wasn’t just myself as a person but also ‘what are the Tassie Devils about’.

“I just put it down to being young and immature and making a mistake. I look back at it and go ‘it was so dumb’ but in the moment it’s that split decision.

“I made the wrong decision within that split time frame and it’s uncontrollable now, I can’t control what happened.”

Schoenmaker knew he had to work twice as hard to put himself back into the draft frame and win back the respect of his teammates, coaches and AFL clubs.

“I think obviously there were some question marks over professionalism and the standards that I had. My mum was massive on coming up with a list of values that I wanted to instil in myself and I did those and I look at them every day,” Schoenmaker said.

“It made me look at how hard I wanted it, so I had to work a lot harder.”

THE ROAD BACK​

Schoenmaker owned the mistake and immediately got to work.

Unable to play for the Tasmania Devils, Schoenmaker instead took the field for Launceston in the Tasmania State League, where he gained valuable experience against senior bodies.

He kept in close contact with the other banned players and did sessions with them as they moved to “change the narrative”.


“There was a group of us, about 10 or 15 kids ranging from the north and the south as well so we were in different regions but we had close contact with each other,” Schoenmaker said.

After copping his whack, Schoenmaker came back with a bang in the Coates Talent League.

Schoenmaker registered a whopping 36 disposals, 19 rebound 50s, nine intercepts and 237 SuperCoach ranking points in his return game for the Devils.

It took Schoenmaker just three games at Talent League level to be jettisoned into the talent-stacked Allies side at the national championships in July where he wowed onlookers yet again.

He was filled with nerves before that match against Vic Metro but Allies coach and former Essendon star Mark McVeigh encouraged him to play with the freedom that saw him burst onto the draft radar in the first place.

Schoenmaker did just that, launching a long bomb goal off a couple of steps from outside 50 inside the first 10 minutes and then slotting another fantastic goal on the run from the boundary in the third term, finishing with 20 disposals, 10 marks and two goals.

Schoenmaker turned heads against Vic Metro in his first game for the Allies. Picture: Getty Images

“I was really nervous coming into that game but ‘Spike’ (McVeigh) pretty much gave me the lenience I suppose and the confidence to do what I do. And I think the team around me also allowed that as well which is a credit to those boys,” he said.

It was an emphatic performance that showed off his rare gifts – there aren’t too many 194cm defenders who can kick the ball 60m and roam up and down the ground like a wingman.

Schoenmaker’s strong form continued for the Devils in their finals run – including two more stunning goals on the run from beyond the arc – to elevate himself into the second-round mix.

ARIE’S TRANSFORMATION​

Fast forward to grand final day this year and the superboot was competing in Fox Footy’s longest kick competition on the Yarra.

It’s a far cry from the dark times he experienced with his draft chances up in the air, and epitomised his dramatic transformation since his mistake.


As it stands, Schoenmaker has spoken to almost every club ahead of the draft and, understandably, he has been grilled about the incident earlier in the year.

While he fully acknowledges his error, the youngster views it as a steep learning curve that has allowed him to become a better person, player and leader.

His bond with the other teammates involved in the indiscretion is even stronger, and several of them managed to return to the Devils after their bans ended.

Schoenmaker has a booming kick. Picture: Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Every club I’ve spoken to they always ask about it but big thing is, for me, turning what was a negative into a positive,” Schoenmaker said.

“I’ve learned so much about myself as a person stuff about values, stuff about my teammates, my coaches and also my family.

“I’m really proud of myself and the steps I’ve taken forward from the incident. It’s put me in better stead to become a better person and I’ve still got the same connections I had before the incident but they’re even better now.

​

“It was pretty sad times, looking at the draft chances and they were slipping and you know I’ve made a mistake but it’s about how you come back.”

Schoenmaker owes his parents and coaches at Tasmania Devils, led by talent manager and former Tiger Jeromey Webberley, plenty of thanks for sticking with him and helping him turn his fortunes around.

“My mum and dad have been huge. And also from the coaches as well, they helped me a lot. They gave me my whack but they’ve also helped me come back and become a better person so Jez, Nathan Warren as well,” he said.

Really like this kid.....his kicking is an absolute weapon. Another tassie risk but I'd be taking it. Pair him up with O'Sullivan for the future.

 

[kool kangas]

l would be very disappointed if we cant land either GWs, or Geelongs 1st picks..or both Then go after GC pick 10...

 

[roos_fanatic08]

You have to give Duursma his due.

He kicked almost as many goals as Sheezel did last year, whilst getting it almost 20 times a game.

His numbers on paper are better than both Reid and Caddy in virtually the same role.

If you cut out his midfield games from his averages, his stats would look even better.

If he's a 1.5+ goal per game half fwd/midfielder with those same disposal numbers, he's probably an AA contender.

If you exclude his first few games of the year he averages 19.2 touches and 3.3 goals per game.

Those are outstanding numbers for a guy with a fair bit of physical development to come.

I really do think Isaac Heeney is his best AFL comparison.

Who has a fairly similar statline to Duursma and a similar style

View attachment 1826968

His numbers definitely jump off the page and there is no doubting his scope for potential.

I just have concerns as to how his game transitions to AFL level.

I think his game style is very similar to Heeney, but I think he lacks Heeny's explosiveness and physicality.

I'm happy to be proven wrong on this one but I think he will end up a Will Hoskin Elliott type rather than Heeney.

 

[Sphynx]

His numbers definitely jump off the page and there is no doubting his scope for potential.

I just have concerns as to how his game transitions to AFL level.

I think his game style is very similar to Heeney, but I think he lacks Heeny's explosiveness and physicality.

I'm happy to be proven wrong on this one but I think he will end up a Will Hoskin Elliott type rather than Heeney.

I think he only lacks physicality because of his body size.

He's not soft in the same way WHE is, no way.

He's a tough footballer, just like his brother is.

His brother is a fair bit more solid than the likes of WHE or Stephenson, so there's scope for Zane to develop into that prototypical 6"1-6"2 size AFL footballer.

He's not super quick or agile, but he does have a big vertical and is an elite contested mark for his size.

He's an interesting prospect for sure.

Tarryn might be another good comparison.

 

[brucemac]

Morris only played the one good champs game. Two of them he played defence and didn’t look that flash down there. Rudd is okay but VFL will be his level, just doesn’t have an athletic point of difference unfortunately.




Weitering was a one on one specialist as a junior. Very much defensively minded first, intercept 2nd. Relied on his body positioning and reading of the play.

Curtin plays more as a third tall link up player, he does however have the capacity to play purely as a stopper as he showed when he went head to head with Walter at the championships.

I really wish we seen more of Curtin ad a genuine defender this year, rather than so much time in the midfield. Imo he isn’t the next Bont or Cripps.

Rudd is an elite runner at 192cm tall. 6.17 2km time trial (Top 10) is a pretty good athletic point of difference I reckon?