By Peter Douglas
Yarra Ranges continues to be a draft haven for AFL recruiters, with an incredible four players finding homes at the top level on Friday 24 November.
At the AFL draft in Sydney, Bayley Fritsch (Coldstream), Joel Garner (Wandin), Jaidyn Stephenson (Ferntree Gully) and Sam Hayes (Ferntree Gully) all found their way to AFL clubs, fulfilling long-time dreams for the recruits.
During their draft year with Under 18s TAC Cup team, Eastern Ranges, Stephenson, Hayes and Garner had all been touted as potential top 20 draftees.
Though, Fritsch travelled the more difficult path, impressing recruiters with the Casey VFL side this season, fighting back from injury worries to compile a stunning 2017 season and 42 goals.
From those drafted, the super-quick Stephenson was the most highly rated, yet the discovery of a minor heart condition just last week threw his potential drafting into chaos.
Thankfully for Stephenson, Collingwood were satisfied with the medical checks on this condition, picking up the excitement machine at pick No. 6.
Stephenson told the Magpies he was confident he could perform at the highest level.
“The heart issue actually came up when I was 16. They (doctors) knew about it but I’m not really in a diagnosable area for the disease, or whatever it is. So, they said ‘you can play, no worries’,” he said.
“My sister also plays a high standard of sport and she was borderline as well.
“I’m on some medication, so I’ve just got to make sure I take that but also be careful about what I put in my own body, which could affect the condition. It certainly doesn’t affect my performance in any way.”
Meanwhile, Melbourne showed faith in 186cm forward Fritsch, which already enjoyed a close look at his talent through VFL affiliate, Casey Demons.
Upon Fritsch’s drafting, Coldstream Football Club president Paul Walsh posted a heartfelt tribute on the club’s Facebook page, outlining Fritsch’s incredible journey.
Walsh noted Bayley’s father was a 360-game player with Coldstream, with Bayley starting out playing Auskick with the club.
But Walsh said it was far from smooth sailing to the AFL, with Fritsch enduring numerous injury setbacks, as well as the death of close friend and Coldstream team-mate in 2014, Josh ‘Turbo’ Matthews.
But, Walsh wrote, Fritsch has continued to defy the odds.
“The loss was met with heartache and pain for all. However, for Bayley, the pain was even more obvious,” Walsh said.
“(But) just under 10 months later, ‘Fritdog’ ran into Walker Reserve in Mitcham with 23 of his mates beside him and his close friend in his heart to compete against the previously unbeaten Ferntree Gully for a premiership medallion.
“With so much to play for the result was a given – Coldstream was holding onto their first piece of silverware since 2001.”
Interestingly, Eastern Ranges team-mates Joel Garner and Sam Hayes could run out on the field together as early as next season, with Port Adelaide nabbing the talented duo.
Both were rumoured to be drafted higher, but Power grabbed ruckman Hayes at pick No. 47 and rebounding defender Garner at pick No. 60.
The Power’s National Recruiting Manager, Geoff Parker, couldn’t speak more highly of the pair.
“Sam Hayes is a dual All Australian ruckman at Under 18 level. Like all young talls, he’ll need time to develop but his mobility and strength overhead also makes him a promising option for the forward line,” Parker said.
Of Garner, he praised the recruit’s kicking skills and leadership abilities.
“He’s got outstanding leadership abilities, he’s tough, he’s a good intercept mark and another clean user of the ball, so we’re excited to see him develop in our program,” Parker said.
