List Mgmt. MSD Watch 2023 [NMFC select Robert Hansen Jnr with #2 in 2023 MSD]

king of the road · May 10, 2023

Retire Hall.
You’d think he played his last game ever for us with that effort against the Dee’s. Time to move on for him and the club.

roos_fanatic08 · May 10, 2023

It's looking less and less likely that we are going to have a pick.

But this would be my shortlist in order of preference:

Shaun Mannagh (small forward/wing)
Ryley Stoddart (left foot half back/wing)
Sam Lowson (Small forward)
Luke Teal (half back/wing)
Jack Buller (mature key forward)
Jovan Petric (young key position player)
Connor Downie (wingman)
Kobe Ryan (midfielder)

Next rung down the line:

Ryan Maric (half forward/key forward)
Clay Tucker (ruck)
Sam Gilbey (half back)
Boyd Woodcock (mid/half forward)
Brandon Ryan (key forward)
Ethan Phillips (key defender)
Casey Voss (half back/wing)

KangaRoo17 · May 10, 2023

roos_fanatic08 said:
It's looking less and less likely that we are going to have a pick.

But this would be my shortlist in order of preference:

Shaun Mannagh (small forward/wing)
Ryley Stoddart

33

Ryley Stoddart

Age
25

Ht

186cm

Wt
73kg

Pos.
Def

Career

Season

Last 5

D
8.8

2

K
5.2

2

HB
3.7

3

M
1.5

2

T
1.5

3

MG
146.3

2

D
13.0

3

K
8.0

3

HB
5.0

3

M
2.0

2

T
1.5

2

MG
214.0

3

D
7.4

2

K
3.8

2

HB
3.6

3

M
1.4

2

T
1.6

4

MG
107.4

2

(left foot half back/wing)
Sam Lowson (Small forward)
Luke Teal (half back/wing)
Jack Buller (mature key forward)
Jovan Petric (young key position player)
Connor Downie (wingman)
Kobe Ryan (midfielder)

Next rung down the line:

Ryan Maric (half forward/key forward)
Clay Tucker (ruck)
Sam Gilbey (half back)
Boyd Woodcock (mid/half forward)
Brandon Ryan (key forward)
Ethan Phillips (key defender)
Casey Voss (half back/wing)

Some great picks here, I just think a key position player is really what we need at the minute, relieve some of the pressure felt by the bigs at the minute. Personally I really like Petric, played in the backline in the young guns game and did really well. That is versatility I think would be really good, being able to be the key position player on both ends of the field

On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

roos_fanatic08 · May 10, 2023

KangaRoo17 said:
Some great picks here, I just think a key position player is really what we need at the minute, relieve some of the pressure felt by the bigs at the minute. Personally I really like Petric, played in the backline in the young guns game and did really well. That is versatility I think would be really good, being able to be the key position player on both ends of the field

On iPhone using BigFooty.com mobile app

I would've been happy if we took him with our last rookie pick last year instead of Howe or Turner, so I'd be equally happy if we took him in the MSD. Agree that we desperately need some developing KP's on the list.

The Filth Wizard · May 10, 2023

tazaa said:
Definitely keen on Lowson

Another his Downie who was on Hawthorn's list. Wound immediately help our forward line.

Lowson was odds on to be drafted last year before he broke his ankle

I'm going to blow your mind on this one taz... Lowson was odds on to be drafted before he broke his ankle in 2019. I suspect at this time we'd only consider to draft him just to ensure he stays in our VFL program at a minimum but I suspect four years later, and missing again in later drafts, his opportunity may have passed.

Kangaroos4eva · May 10, 2023

tazaa said:
Definitely keen on Lowson

Another his Downie who was on Hawthorn's list. Wound immediately help our forward line.

Lowson was odds on to be drafted last year before he broke his ankle

Downie is a winger that plays a bit on the inside.

giantroo · May 10, 2023

Mid-season draft picture muddied

Sunday’s opening game of the Young Guns series was supposed to shed light on who the top mid-season rookie draft contenders were but only confused it more.
Rain stayed away during the match but tumbled down beforehand, making conditions difficult for the game between the over-age Young Guns and their under-18 Vic Metro rivals at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

Gippsland Power forward Ryan Maric, touted as a contender to go No. 1 in the mid-season draft, won only nine disposals and kicked 1.3, with his goal coming in the last quarter.
Ruckmen Clay Tucker and Flynn Riley combined for 30 hit-outs but had little influence away from stoppages, so will hope for drier weather for the second game at Ikon Park on Sunday.

One big man who did show some aerial prowess was ex-rower Archie May, who is playing for Richmond’s VFL team after not being exposed to the elite under-18 pathway. The 18-year-old remains a work in progress but is 199 centimetres and managed five shots on goal for a 1.4 return.
Out west, Claremont giant Jack Buller is set to return this weekend after a fortnight out with a corked calf that halted his tremendous start to the season.

Buller, 21, was a key defender in his teenage years and manned the likes of Ben King and Jack Lukosius in his draft year, but his switch into attack has transformed AFL clubs’ opinion of him.

Only five clubs – Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs – have a list vacancy, but others can create openings by placing an injured player on the inactive list or if someone retires.

The Eagles and Dockers have shown interest in Buller, with the ACL injury to last year’s top mid-season pick, Jai Culley, giving West Coast the chance to make a selection. It is unclear whether the Hawks are keen on Buller, who is expected to be one of the first players taken.

Saints chat adds to De Koning intrigue

A meeting at the footy has added to the intrigue over the athletic Carlton tall, while plenty of clubs are interested in a Giant versatile swingman.

www.theage.com.au

Harris 10 · May 10, 2023

roos_fanatic08 said:
It's looking less and less likely that we are going to have a pick.

But this would be my shortlist in order of preference:

Shaun Mannagh (small forward/wing)
Ryley Stoddart (left foot half back/wing)
Sam Lowson (Small forward)
Luke Teal (half back/wing)
Jack Buller (mature key forward)
Jovan Petric (young key position player)
Connor Downie (wingman)
Kobe Ryan (midfielder)

Next rung down the line:

Ryan Maric (half forward/key forward)
Clay Tucker (ruck)
Sam Gilbey (half back)
Boyd Woodcock (mid/half forward)
Brandon Ryan (key forward)
Ethan Phillips (key defender)
Casey Voss (half back/wing)

I'd be really happy if Shaun got taken, I know the family and they're quality people.

However, if we do have a pick i'm still hoping it will be Luke Teal.

King Corey · May 10, 2023

Shaun Mannagh = The From Heaven

tazaa · May 10, 2023

The Filth Wizard said:
I'm going to blow your mind on this one taz... Lowson was odds on to be drafted before he broke his ankle in 2019. I suspect at this time we'd only consider to draft him just to ensure he stays in our VFL program at a minimum but I suspect four years later, and missing again in later drafts, his opportunity may have passed.

He keeps up the form I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds himself rookied somewhere. His obvious off field issues are why he’s gotten nowhere near an AFL list.

Kangaroos4eva said:
Downie is a winger that plays a bit on the inside.

Thanks K4e. Downie is interesting.
We bid on him in the 2020 draft and Hawks matched and he didn’t come on as sun in round 1, 2021. Played one more game for the year in round 22 then that was it. Hawks delisted him last year and he found himself back with Clarko and at North.
Seems we are keen on him for whatever reason as his numbers aren’t that bad averaging 20 touches and he’s good for a point or two.
But yeh not doing enough to get the name in lights.

giantroo · May 11, 2023

VFL’s best prospects for the AFL’s mid-season draft, featuring young guns and mature-agers
The brother of a young Saint, a former Swan and a roughie from Richmond are among the VFL’s top mid-season draft hopes, writes PAUL AMY.

Paul Amy
Follow
@paulamy375
8 min read
May 10, 2023 - 12:00PM

The VFL is stacked with hopefuls for the AFL mid-season draft, including (top left to clockwise) Ethan Stanley, James Trezise, Aaron Clarke and Jye Chalcraft.
The AFL’s mid-season draft is three weeks away and recruiters are running an eye over the state-league players capable of joining lists.

Here are some hopefuls from the VFL.

Jye Chalcraft, Geelong
The 22-year-old won the Cats’ VFL best and fairest in 2022 as an inside midfielder and there’s a good chance he’s leading the count this year.

Coach Mark Corrigan has used Chalcraft at half forward at times “just to try to add another string to his bow and I guess add to the appeal from a draftable point of view’’.

“He’s a beautiful ball-user, he finishes his work, he’s clean, he’s tough and he’s got enough power, his tank is good enough … he’s a very good player,’’ Corrigan declares. “If you put him in a full-time program you’ll see him go to another level.’’

The midfielder is from Shepparton United, went through the Murray Bushrangers and became a VFL Cat in 2021.

Aaron Clarke, Coburg
There aren’t many tall forwards kicking around the VFL. The Lions have one in 23-year-old Clarke, 195cm and 100kg, who can take a contested mark and is a reliable kick.

He has a chance to see how he stacks up against Northern Bullant Brandon Ryan in this week’s Battle of Bell Street at Coburg City Oval.

Mitch Cox, Williamstown
The powerful right-footer spent last year on Brisbane’s list as a selection in the pre-season supplemental period.

He hasn’t quite shown his best for the Towners as he makes the transition back to part-time footballer, but he’s a dynamic player and started May the right way, having 23 touches and kicking a goal against Collingwood.

Mitchell Cox of the Seagulls. Picture: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images
Mutaz El Nour, Richmond
The tall defender was considered a mid-season draft hope last year as a Northern Bullant and was disappointed when he was overlooked.

But he’s presented again as a Tiger, negating with hard spoils or creating with his intercept marking, and there’s a touch of class to whatever he does.

Felix Flockhart, Port Melbourne
There were quiet raps on the young ruckman after his late rise at the Sandringham Dragons, and he’s back in the thoughts of clubs now that he’s overcome injuries (groin last year, ankle in the 2023 pre-season) and served as Sam Naismith’s back-up.

His athleticism is apparent with his ability to play forward and his skill at ground level.

“He’s turning himself into a competitive footballer,’’ Borough coach Adam Skrobalak says.

Marcus Herbert, Geelong
The Cats have a high opinion of the former Greater Western Victoria Rebel, who sat out a few games with concussion and has impressed since his return to the half back line.

“I look at him and I think he’s got attributes that could go to another level,’’ Geelong coach Mark Corrigan says. “Beautiful ball user, really clean, he changes the game when he gets the ball in his hands.

“But he also defends really well. He’s not just a purely offensive-minded player. He’s really good in the contest, he finds his way out of traffic quickly and he dilutes the pressure situations for us.’’

Herbert, 20, joined Geelong VFL in 2021.

Marty Hore, Williamstown
It’s believed two AFL clubs have contacted Willy about the 14-game former Demon.

Hore, 27, joined the Seagulls this year from North Melbourne VFL and has averaged 21.7 disposals across six games.

Ben Jepson, Coburg
The Lions knew they were getting a good player when they recruited Jepson from Old Carey three years ago.

At 21 and with more confidence, his football has taken off this season; he’s the best decision-maker and kick in the Coburg team.

Jepson is averaging 23 possessions across his first six matches, boosted by 34 and 30-disposal hauls in his past two outings.

“His last fortnight has been awesome, and hopefully he can carry that all the way into the mid-season draft and be a realistic chance,’’ Coburg coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara says.

Sam Lowson, North Melbourne
Roos coach Tom Lynch calls the small forward “the most dynamic player in the VFL’’.

Touted as the No.1 mid-season pick in 2019, only to pick up an injury before the draft, Lowson has kicked 16.10 for the Roos this season since crossing from Coburg.

Trent Mynott, Frankston
Few VFL midfielders are going as well as Frankston’s co-captain, who led his team to its first victory of the season with four goals and 23 possessions against Sandringham in Round 4.

Mynott was an Essendon rookie in 2018-19 but he’s still only 23 and there are Dolphins officials who will tell you he’s their most influential and important player as an “inside’’ midfielder.

Sam Naismith, Port Melbourne
Clubs needing to bolster their ruck divisions will look at the former Sydney 30-gamer, who has proven his fitness this year as a dominant big man in the VFL.

He’s averaging 43.2 hit-outs and 15.7 disposals per game, and his leadership has been exemplary.

“He’s been really solid in his performances. His ruck work has been outstanding and he’s building his around-the-ground game,’’ Borough coach Adam Skrobalak says.

“As a person and player, his buy-in at our club has been exceptional. He’s getting through week to week and he’s covering a lot of ground and he’s crashing and bashing. He’s doing all the things I would think an AFL club would want to see.’’

Kai Owens, Frankston
The 23-year-old is the older brother of fast-rising Saint Mitch, and his move into the midfield this season has been the making of him.

Previously a forward lending an occasional hand in the ruck, Owens (192cm) has flourished as an onballer alongside Will Fordham and Trent Mynott, averaging 24 disposals and seven tackles.

“Kai’s got that bit of swerve and curve about him that comes from his basketball background and he’s also got hops – he can really jump. He’s in good nick because his game’s in good shape and he’s bubbling along off some of the buzz around his brother,’’ Dolphins coach Danny Ryan told CODE Sports last week.

Fraser Rosman, Port Melbourne
Drafted during the Covid period and delisted after two years at Melbourne, the athletic and sure-handed Rosman is relishing his move to Port Melbourne.

With his spring and speed, the 194cm defender is capable of playing on opponents of all shapes and sizes.

Brandon Ryan, Northern Bullants
No VFL player has risen as quickly this year as 25-year-old Ryan, a 200cm forward who joined the Ants from Essendon District league club Maribyrnong Park.

The strong-marking left-footer caught the eye in the state-alone practice-match carnival in Craigieburn – “Who is No 12 for Bullants? He’s not on the team sheet?’’ a recruiter asked on the day – and has since kicked 17 goals from six matches, including five against Sydney.

Ryan is raw but has a lot of natural ability.

Ryley Stoddart, Frankston
In his second year with the Dolphins, the 23-year-old former Sydney Swan will be some chance for a second AFL listing if he maintains his slashing start to the season.

His left-foot kicking has been on show from half back, spearing Frankston forward, and he’s displayed plenty of dash and aggression too.

He had 37 touches against Port Melbourne in round five and is averaging 29 disposals from five matches.

Shaun Mannagh, Werribee
The dynamic Mannagh hurtled into the headlines with his round three performance for Werribee, when he stacked up 40 possessions and booted four goals against Southport.

“He’s a matchwinner. He’s special,’’ Sharks coach Steve Daniels declared after the game.

The 25-year-old had 31 touches against Essendon last Sunday and is averaging 27.6 disposals per outing as he pushes for the next level.

“He’s a jet,’’ a VFL coach says of the former Murray Bushranger.

Oscar McDonald, Williamstown
At 27, McDonald appears set to join a third AFL club, with talk around that Sydney will seek to strengthen its defence with the former Demon and Blue.

His performances and professionalism have been everything Willy expected of him, and they’re resigned to going into the second half of the season without their No.1 backman.

Tom Phillips, Essendon
The former Magpie and Hawk is building towards his best after recovering from a minor knee injury. The left-footer had 20 touches on a wing in the round seven loss to Werribee.

“He’s good enough to play AFL again,’’ Bombers coach Leigh Tudor says.

“He’s still really determined and doing everything right. He’s still got that belief.’’

Jack Sexton, Southport
Sharks coach Steve Daniel says he’s taken calls from AFL clubs about his small forward, who joined the club this year after a stint with Richmond VFL.

“He’s quick, he’s tough, his tackle-pressure is through the roof, he uses the ball really well and he’s quite smart,’’ Daniel says of the 178cm, who came out of Finley Cats juniors and took some star turns for Yarrawonga last year in the strong Ovens and Murray league.

Ethan Stanley, Box Hill Hawks
The 188cm, 81kg Stanley has been a surprise package this year for the Hawks.

Recruited from local club Frankston YCW, where he played some senior games last year but mostly in the Under 19s, he has made four appearances as a wing and flanker.

He also turned out in last Sunday’s Young Guns game at Sandringham, performing handily in tough conditions.

“We’ve been rapt with him,’’ says Box Hill Hawks coach Zane Littlejohn.

“There was no expectation on him when he came here – he’s never been a pathways kid, just played local footy with his local club – and he’s been a breath of fresh air, I guess.

“He’s excited, he wants to learn, he’s hungry. He’s played four games as the 23rd player, but we’re arguably missing him and he’s going to be a big chance to play regardless of the 23rd. He can play a variety of roles – wing, half back, half forward, inside – he’s got athleticism and running power, and he’s a beautiful user of the footy.’’

Lachie Sullivan, Footscray Bulldogs
The Dogs’ VFL captain is one of the league’s most consistent players, rarely leaving the ground without having handled the ball 25 times. He won the Dogs’ best and fairest and was in the VFL team of the year in 2022.

Unheralded but not to be underestimated, Sullivan might appeal to a club keen to add another number to its midfield.

The Tigers have latched on to a good prospect in 21-year-old Trezise, who featured in West Gippsland club Tooradin-Dalmore’s premiership last season alongside former AFL Magpies Brent Macaffer and Adam Oxley.

“Needs to be on an AFL list,’’ Oxley declared on social media last month after Tigers VFL coach Steve Morris called the 20-year-old a “super exciting player’’.

Trezise is 188cm and versatile enough to play any position on the ground; he’s even done some ruck work for the Tigers this season.

giantroo · May 11, 2023

Sam Lowson is VFL’s ‘most dynamic player’, says coach Tom Lynch as AFL mid-season draft looms

Sam Lowson is rated by his coach as the “most dynamic player in the VFL by a long, long way’’. He has the chance to finally earn an AFL spot after rotten luck four years ago, writes PAUL AMY.

Paul Amy

@paulamy375

3 min read
May 11, 2023 - 6:00AM

North Melbourne’s Sam Lowson is a hot mid-season draft prospect. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images

The message from Tom Lynch comes through as loud and clear as a final siren: don’t forget Sam Lowson.

Lynch, the North Melbourne VFL coach and former AFL Crow and Saint, says Lowson is the “most dynamic player in the VFL by a long, long way’’ and that AFL clubs should be considering him ahead of the mid-season draft.

The 27-year-old has kicked 16.10 and averaged 15.8 possessions from six matches this season, setting out with a bag of five against Port Melbourne in round one.

In his only game at local level, he booted seven goals for East Ringwood against Eastern league power Vermont.

Lowson was touted as the first selection for the mid-season draft four years ago.
Two days before it, he suffered injuries to a knee and ankle.

North Melbourne VFL coach Tom Lynch says Sam Lowson is the most dynamic player in the competition. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images

He was overlooked when it became clear he faced a long stretch on the sidelines.
“Sam’s been awesome for us,’’ Lynch says of the right-footer.

“He’s been playing a mix of forward and mid, and he’s just been so impressive.
“It would be very enticing for a club to take him because he’s never been fitter, he’s adding things to his game, he’s enjoying football and he’s a resilient kid.

“In my mind, he’s the most dynamic player in the VFL by a long, long way and I hope people haven’t forgotten what he can do.’’

Lowson joined the Kangaroos this year from Coburg, encouraged to make the move by North assistant Leigh Adams, who coached him at the Bergers.

He says the transfer has revitalised his football.

“It’s just good to be back feeling fully healthy and being able to play some good footy.
“I’m loving it at North. ‘Patch’ (Adams) rang me and we had a conversation about me wanting to give it one more crack at getting picked up, and he said there would be a good opportunity to do it under ‘Lynchy’ (Lynch) and the program they’ve set up and the facilities they’ve got.

“I trained with the AFL boys over the pre-season and that was good to do. I’m still pushing towards getting to the top level, working my arse off, really. I think I’ve got five or six years of good footy in me at least. My body’s feeling great and I’m moving well.’’

Lowson first made waves at Coburg, before transferring to North Melbourne this year. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Lowson is working as a carpenter.

The week before the 2019 mid-season draft, he hoped he would be giving up the tools and making the transition to full-time footballer.

The words “potential No.1 pick” often accompanied mentions of his name.

But a couple of days out from the draft, his leg was caught in a tackle against Geelong in a Saturday night game.

He went in for surgery on the Tuesday, his name having gone uncalled.
Lowson missed nine weeks of football.

As he came back late in the season, he realised how far back in the order he had slipped.

“I was very underdone. I’d lost my fitness, my strength,’’ he says.

“Those couple of months were pretty flattening, especially after speaking to a lot of clubs. I was hoping it was my time to get a shot.’’

Lowson in action for Coburg against Geelong in 2019. He injured his leg later in the game, which ended his hopes of being taken in the mid-season draft that year.

In 2020, he never got the chance to again advertise his ability as an elusive small forward; Covid killed off the season.

Later, a knee injury was another setback.

“There’s been a few hiccups along the way,’’ Lowson says.

“But you’ve just got to move on. I’m at a point now where I’m really fit and playing some good footy. Hopefully people think I’ve still got a lot to give.’’

Meanwhile, Lynch says the Kangaroos have two other “genuine’’ draft hopes in former Hawk Connor Downie and their VFL captain Jack Watkins.

Lynch says Connor Downie is another draft prospect. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Downie had 28 possessions and kicked a goal against Sandringham last weekend
“He’s running 15km a game,’’ Lynch says of Downie, who dropped off Hawthorn’s list at the end of 2022 after two games. “He’ll get an AFL look, whether it’s this year or next year.’’

He says Watkins is a “two-way runner, he tackles, he chases, he’s a great ball-user, he’s got a huge tank … he just runs from contest to contest to contest’’.

Lynch also says the Roos have two likely young key forwards in Ben Bath from Euroa and Tyler Sellers from Old Scotch.

He likens Sellers to pack-hitting Magpie Brody Mihocek and says Bath “has some real tricks’’.

Ligma · May 11, 2023

giantroo said:
Sam Lowson is VFL’s ‘most dynamic player’, says coach Tom Lynch as AFL mid-season draft looms
Sam Lowson is rated by his coach as the “most dynamic player in the VFL by a long, long way’’. He has the chance to finally earn an AFL spot after rotten luck four years ago, writes PAUL AMY.

Paul Amy

@paulamy375

3 min read
May 11, 2023 - 6:00AM

North Melbourne’s Sam Lowson is a hot mid-season draft prospect. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images

The message from Tom Lynch comes through as loud and clear as a final siren: don’t forget Sam Lowson.

Lynch, the North Melbourne VFL coach and former AFL Crow and Saint, says Lowson is the “most dynamic player in the VFL by a long, long way’’ and that AFL clubs should be considering him ahead of the mid-season draft.

The 27-year-old has kicked 16.10 and averaged 15.8 possessions from six matches this season, setting out with a bag of five against Port Melbourne in round one.

In his only game at local level, he booted seven goals for East Ringwood against Eastern league power Vermont.

Lowson was touted as the first selection for the mid-season draft four years ago.
Two days before it, he suffered injuries to a knee and ankle.

North Melbourne VFL coach Tom Lynch says Sam Lowson is the most dynamic player in the competition. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images

He was overlooked when it became clear he faced a long stretch on the sidelines.
“Sam’s been awesome for us,’’ Lynch says of the right-footer.

“He’s been playing a mix of forward and mid, and he’s just been so impressive.
“It would be very enticing for a club to take him because he’s never been fitter, he’s adding things to his game, he’s enjoying football and he’s a resilient kid.

“In my mind, he’s the most dynamic player in the VFL by a long, long way and I hope people haven’t forgotten what he can do.’’

Lowson joined the Kangaroos this year from Coburg, encouraged to make the move by North assistant Leigh Adams, who coached him at the Bergers.

He says the transfer has revitalised his football.

“It’s just good to be back feeling fully healthy and being able to play some good footy.
“I’m loving it at North. ‘Patch’ (Adams) rang me and we had a conversation about me wanting to give it one more crack at getting picked up, and he said there would be a good opportunity to do it under ‘Lynchy’ (Lynch) and the program they’ve set up and the facilities they’ve got.

“I trained with the AFL boys over the pre-season and that was good to do. I’m still pushing towards getting to the top level, working my arse off, really. I think I’ve got five or six years of good footy in me at least. My body’s feeling great and I’m moving well.’’

Lowson first made waves at Coburg, before transferring to North Melbourne this year. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Lowson is working as a carpenter.

The week before the 2019 mid-season draft, he hoped he would be giving up the tools and making the transition to full-time footballer.

The words “potential No.1 pick” often accompanied mentions of his name.

But a couple of days out from the draft, his leg was caught in a tackle against Geelong in a Saturday night game.

He went in for surgery on the Tuesday, his name having gone uncalled.
Lowson missed nine weeks of football.

As he came back late in the season, he realised how far back in the order he had slipped.

“I was very underdone. I’d lost my fitness, my strength,’’ he says.

“Those couple of months were pretty flattening, especially after speaking to a lot of clubs. I was hoping it was my time to get a shot.’’

Lowson in action for Coburg against Geelong in 2019. He injured his leg later in the game, which ended his hopes of being taken in the mid-season draft that year.

In 2020, he never got the chance to again advertise his ability as an elusive small forward; Covid killed off the season.

Later, a knee injury was another setback.

“There’s been a few hiccups along the way,’’ Lowson says.

“But you’ve just got to move on. I’m at a point now where I’m really fit and playing some good footy. Hopefully people think I’ve still got a lot to give.’’

Meanwhile, Lynch says the Kangaroos have two other “genuine’’ draft hopes in former Hawk Connor Downie and their VFL captain Jack Watkins.

Lynch says Connor Downie is another draft prospect. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/Getty Images

Downie had 28 possessions and kicked a goal against Sandringham last weekend
“He’s running 15km a game,’’ Lynch says of Downie, who dropped off Hawthorn’s list at the end of 2022 after two games. “He’ll get an AFL look, whether it’s this year or next year.’’

He says Watkins is a “two-way runner, he tackles, he chases, he’s a great ball-user, he’s got a huge tank … he just runs from contest to contest to contest’’.

Lynch also says the Roos have two likely young key forwards in Ben Bath from Euroa and Tyler Sellers from Old Scotch.

He likens Sellers to pack-hitting Magpie Brody Mihocek and says Bath “has some real tricks’’.

Downie an upgrade on C. Taylor?

Glad his gotten over his hammy injuries, hawks medical staff weren’t taking his concern’s seriously.

Groucho · May 11, 2023

It would be sad to see lowson go but it would also be a great tale of redemption and resilience

Kangaroos4eva · May 11, 2023

Downie is exactly what we need in a tall young contested winger.

roos_fanatic08 · May 11, 2023

Ligma said:
Downie an upgrade on C. Taylor?

Glad his gotten over his hammy injuries, hawks medical staff weren’t taking his concern’s seriously.

He'd play the wing role a lot better than Taylor. Taylor goes okay as a half forward but gets lost when he is playing on the wing.

My Left Foote · May 11, 2023

King Corey said:
Shaun Mannagh = The From Heaven

Shaun Mannagh = The To The Born

Kangaroos4eva · May 11, 2023

Ligma said:
Downie an upgrade on C. Taylor?

Glad his gotten over his hammy injuries, hawks medical staff weren’t taking his concern’s seriously.

Definitely as a winger. He’s bigger, can play inside and is a more reliable kick.

Ligma · May 11, 2023

Kangaroos4eva said:
Definitely as a winger. He’s bigger, can play inside and is a more reliable kick.

roos_fanatic08 said:
He'd play the wing role a lot better than Taylor. Taylor goes okay as a half forward but gets lost when he is playing on the wing.

Okay cool I really haven’t watched him but I hear how he plays from someone who’s really close to him lol

Kangaroos4eva · May 11, 2023

Ligma said:
Okay cool I really haven’t watched him but I hear how he plays from someone who’s really close to him lol

Tank and accumulation were the only queries for me, but he has improved both since his time at the hawks.

Ligma · May 11, 2023

Kangaroos4eva said:
Tank and accumulation the only queries for me, but he has improved both since his time at the hawks.

Didn’t the article say he is running 15kms a game?

Kangaroos4eva · May 11, 2023

Ligma said:
Didn’t the article say he is running 15kms a game?

He is now, but it was a minor issue predraft and early at the hawks. Nice to see it become a strength.

Connor Downie Draft Profile

Connor Downie is an attacking half-back/wingman with a penetrating left boot and the ability to kick long-range goals. Check out his 2020 AFL Draft Profile.

central.rookieme.com

FootySmartSimpson · May 11, 2023

This thread still rages on...and we don't have an MSD pick...

kool kangas · May 11, 2023

FootySmartSimpson said:
This thread still rages on...and we don't have an MSD pick...

Thats because people may be hoping for someone to go onto the long term injury list before the MSD arrives..So speculation is rife...

Sillygit · May 11, 2023

FootySmartSimpson said:
This thread still rages on...and we don't have an MSD pick...

lookin like even the eagles aren't goin for it, and they've got about 3 non-injured players left

List Mgmt. MSD Watch 2023 [NMFC select Robert Hansen Jnr with #2 in 2023 MSD]

Premium Gold

Hall of Famer

Draftee

Hall of Famer

Just here for the zipline

TheBrownDog

Bleeding Blue and White

Mid-season draft picture muddied​

Brownlow Medallist

Moderator

Hall of Famer

Bleeding Blue and White

Bleeding Blue and White

Sam Lowson is VFL’s ‘most dynamic player’, says coach Tom Lynch as AFL mid-season draft looms​

RIP Random chat thread

Sam Lowson is VFL’s ‘most dynamic player’, says coach Tom Lynch as AFL mid-season draft looms​

Premium Platinum

TheBrownDog

Hall of Famer

Premiership Player

TheBrownDog

RIP Random chat thread

TheBrownDog

RIP Random chat thread

TheBrownDog

Norm Smith Medallist

Bring it on!!!!!

Norm Smith Medallist