OldDarkNavys.net - Blues Rookie Wrap-Up

Blues Rookie Wrap-Up

By Old Dark Navys.net December 20 2002
The rookie draft is one area Carlton have done well at in recent times with Bret Thornton the most notable player to make the grade in his first season on the rookie list in 2002 to compliment an impressive introduction from the rookie list for Ian Prendergast and Jim Plunkett in 2001.

The Blues have gone all out in 2003 after a shortened senior list allowed them six selections in the best of the rest draft. Selections are as follows:

1. Jon McCormick - A midfielder coming off 2 seasons with the Murray Kangaroos. Will give way to Denis Pagan's better judgment on this one obviously.

2. Laurence Angwin - Ruckman coming from two years with the Crows. Injuries and rumours about off field activities have dogged him but by all accounts he has talent if someone can rekindle the desire. Once again, Pagan is the man for the job.

3. Mark McKenzie - Has been training with the Blues after being a Power rookie in 2002.

4. Tom Hedge - Ruckman. All the better amateur judges sung this guy's praises in 2002. Our ruck depth is impressive with his addition. No more scenes like last year for the Blues midfield it seems.

5. Michael Stinnear - Midfielder. Vice Captain with Vic Metro last year. A bit of leadership amongst our young players can't be a bad thing.

6. Sean O’Keeffe - I was a bit of a fan of Oke in the 2002 preseason after seeing him for a few minutes in a scratch match against the reigning premier. Has pace and good hands from what I can recall. Deserves another chance despite what the critics might say. As a side note he won a recent 3.2km race around Princes Park over what is becoming a pretty fit and impressive field.