Above: Melbourne coach Neale Daniher was thrilled to snare Dandenong Stingray Nathan Jones at pick number 12 in Saturday’s AFL National draft.By Brad Kingsbury
Three Dandenong Stingrays players also started their AFL careers on Saturday led by dynamic midfielder Nathan Jones who was picked up by Melbourne at number 12.
While Berwick running player Travis Tuck, son of AFL legend Michael Tuck, was taken by Hawthorn under the father-son rule and under 17 player Ryan Cook was another to join the black and white army at number 23.
A half-forward/midfielder, Cook won the Stingrays most improved player award for 2005.
Jones was the Demons first round pick, and Melbourne recruiting manager Craig
Cameron and football manager Chris Fagan were both thrilled that he was still available at the time.
The Demons had targeted midfielders and expect Jones to play early in the 2006 AFL season.
Originally from Mt Eliza, he had a wonderful season with the Stingrays, dominating early in the year at TAC Cup level and holding his form for Victorian metropolitan in the national under 18 championships, despite having a return to school football.
Under 17 player, Cook, originally from Rosebud was Collingwood’s second round selection, while Tuck’s future was sealed several weeks ago when the Hawks indicated their intentions.
Gippsland Power’s five players to be given their start in the AFL were headed by gun midfielder Dale Thomas at pick number two (Collingwood) followed by fellow playmaker Xavier Ellis at number three (Hawthorn) and mobile Scott Pendlebury at number five (Collingwood).
Wonthaggi tall Trent West was picked up by Geelong at number 31, while Jay Neagle was taken by Essendon under the father-son rule at pick 39.
