Skinfolds, shuttle runs and shopping for stars

Sandringham Dragons ruckman Tyrone Vickery is one of the most sought-after prospects in this year's NAB AFL Draft. The 200cm tall has been touted as a top-four and possible No.1 draft selection. His diary from the 2008 NAB AFL Draft Camp is exclusive to afl.com.au.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1

AFTER leaving Melbourne and arriving at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra on Tuesday afternoon, the Draft Camp got underway early this morning. 

Breakfast was around 7.30am and by 8.30 we were welcomed at the camp by AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan.

The first thing I had this morning was my medical screening, which involved a lot of prodding and movement of the joints. Fortunately, I managed to get through it alright and I didn't have any underlying problems, having previously had a knee reconstruction.

Every club looked at my knee – and moved it – for a good five minutes, asking a lot of questions about it, but I came through fine.

There was a lot of waiting around this morning, so it was important to stay off the legs and remain fresh.

Later on, I had some interviews with the media. I also had some photos taken, so that was an interesting experience. But by this stage, I was pretty hungry, so I was looking forward to lunch.

In the afternoon, I was in the group which had psychomotor testing. This included peripheral vision and reaction time. I'd never done any of that before, so that was a good experience. I completed three different tests and a questionnaire, which was lengthy.

I had done this test before in the AIS/AFL academy program, so I knew what I was in for, but we won't get the results back for a few weeks. It's supposed to tell me what sort of person I am.

You have to answer these questionnaires honestly, because if you try and predict what the clubs want – that's when it doesn't work.

At 5pm, we had the repeat sprint test – something I'd never done before.

At this stage, it was getting towards the end of the day and my legs were getting heavy. Still, I was pretty happy with my result, but I was just glad the first 'physical' test was down.

In the evening, I had my All-Australian photo taken and then had a taped interview.

I also had some informal interviews throughout the day and a scheduled chat with Port Adelaide. It had been a pretty hectic day. Clubs would approach you for a chat as soon as you had finished a test.

But that's how they try and find out what type of person you are – by catching you off guard, where you're not prepared. I had spoken to people who had come to draft camp before and I knew this was coming, so I wasn't too daunted.

If you think about your answers, you'll be fine.

Overall, my first day has been a great experience. There is a lot of competition up here and being exposed to AFL clubs has been a great opportunity. I've really enjoyed it so far. 
 
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2

This morning we had a TAIS appraisal, a 40-minute questionnaire. Questions relate to how you would react to different situations; how you think you're perceived and how you perceive people around you.

It gives you an indication of what type of person you are – apparently!

Between 9.15 and 11.30am, we had sprint, agility and vertical jump testing. I'd done these tests in the TAC Cup and AIS/AFL academy programs, so I knew what to expect. Still, I was pretty tired and flat by the end of it.

In the afternoon, I had my height, weight, skinfolds, arm lengths and handspan measured – they were all pretty straightforward tests. I also had a few more informal chats with clubs in the afternoon.

But at 5pm, it was time for the shuttle run (aka beep test).

I wasn't overly happy with my result, although I think most people under-achieved in that event. Most were pretty tired entering it and pulled up flat. By that time of the day, it was pretty difficult, even though everyone was on a level playing field.

I then had a pool recovery session and after dinner had a few more informal interviews. I've had about six chats with AFL clubs now.

It's interesting, some clubs show footage of yourself and you have to talk through it, whereas others like to find out about your background and personality. Some clubs didn't even mention much football. I suppose they're all quite different.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3

Our final day started with an early breakfast and checkout, before a 3km time-trial at 9am.

Everyone found it pretty challenging and tough in warm and windy conditions. Everyone had a crack, although most boys were pretty sore afterwards. I wasn't too pleased with my time, but I'd rather have had a crack than pull out and been left wondering.

Late in the morning, we headed to the AIS multi-field for our skills session.

Although I started, I pulled out early due to a sore achilles I'd had over the past few days. I thought it wasn't worth the risk of injury, so I participated in some handball skills early on, before icing up on the sidelines. 

Most of the boys were definitely sore by the end of this session.

That concluded our activities at the camp, although a few more boys had some informal interviews after lunch. Kevin Sheehan then wished us all the best when the camp finished at 3.15pm.

Overall, it has been a great experience to compete against some of the best young players in Australia – physically and mentally. The opportunity to meet some of the clubs was also an experience I'll always have. 

As for the draft? At the end of the day, I'm an 18-year-old non-AFL listed player and I'm not drafted yet, so I'm not feeling any pressure with my name being mentioned.

I've spoken to five or six clubs – not as many as some of the boys – and most have been pretty informal. The chats have been to put a face to the name.

Over the next few weeks, I'll finish school, have my exams and graduate. I'll then try and take a break from training, because it's been a pretty long year.

I might go away after my last exam – I've got a week in between that and the draft – so I might head to the coast and chill out, before hopefully heading to an AFL club.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.