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AFL draft 2022: A dozen West Aussies among national draft combine invitees

Headshot of Jordan McArdle
Jordan McArdleThe West Australian
Harry Cole.
Camera IconHarry Cole. Credit: Kelly Barnes/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

A dozen West Aussie draft hopefuls have earned invitations to the national combine in Melbourne in October.

All up 67 players selected for the three-day testing from October 7-9 with Vic Country leading the way with 19.

It’s not expected to be as big of a WA draft crop compared to recent years after just one win from four matches in the national under-18s carnival.

Claremont are the best represented of the WAFL clubs with four players, followed by Swan Districts and East Perth with two apiece.

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The Royals could have two players inside the first round with defender-turned-midfielder Reuben Ginbey storming up the charts after winning WA’s carnival MVP award and key back Jedd Busslinger also a strong chance to go early.

Powerful Swan Districts midfielder Elijah Hewett is another tipped to get picked up in the opening round.

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From a Next Generation Academy point of view, classy forward Tyrell Dewar (Subiaco), part of West Coast’s NGA, made the cut after an eye-catching carnival.

The Eagles have priority access to Dewar, provided he falls outside of the top-40 picks which is likely.

Son of a gun Ed Allan, a rangy 194cm utility whose father Ben captained and coached Fremantle as well as playing in a premiership at Hawthorn, is among the famous names on the list.

The Claremont and Scotch College product’s dad was two games away from him qualifying as a Hawks father-son prospect.

Claremont midfielder and Hale School captain Harry Cole and his colts teammate and Christ Church defender Hugh Davies, both late additions to WA’s under-18s squad who made the most of their opportunities, were also included.

Peel Thunder key defender Jed Adams is another who has emerged this season, impressing in the final two games of the national carnival down back after coming in for Busslinger, with his booming left foot and ability to read the play and intercept standing out.

A whopping nine players were invited from NAB League powerhouse Oakleigh Chargers including top-10 fancies George Wardlaw, Elijah Tsatas, Matthew Jefferson and father-son gun Alwyn Davey Jnr.

Players can still be added with late-season form and enough interest from AFL clubs.

There will also be various state combines around the country, with WA’s to be held on October 16.

Around 50-60 players will be invited to those, likely to be revealed by next week.

WA draft combine invitees

  • Jed Adams (Peel Thunder)
  • Edward Allan (Claremont)
  • Jedd Busslinger (East Perth)
  • Harry Cole (Claremont)
  • Hugh Davies (Claremont)
  • Tyrell Dewar (Subiaco)
  • Sam Gilbey (Claremont)
  • Reuben Ginbey (East Perth)
  • Steely Green (South Fremantle)
  • Jed Hagan (East Fremantle)
  • Elijah Hewett (Swan Districts)
  • Darcy Jones (Swan Districts)

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