How's that? Moss is a Crow

WHEN the South Australian under-19 cricket team pulls up stumps in Tasmania on Tuesday, wicketkeeper James Moss is in for a pleasant surprise.

Although Moss was selected by the Crows with their first pick in the NAB Rookie Draft, but the club opted not to break the news to their new recruit while he was fielding for his state.

The 18-year-old country lad from Willaston was coaxed down to SANFL club Central Districts this year where he played two under-19 games before being promoted to the reserves.

Moss finished the season with local club Willaston where he was judged best afield in the Grand Final as the team claimed the premiership.

Moss, described as a “smoky” by recruiting manager Matt Rendell, will effectively end his cricketing career when he returns to Adelaide on December 23.

The talented midfielder won’t commence training with his new teammates until the players resume after their Christmas break in early January.

“We spotted James very early on and were very excited about him,” Rendell said.

“We obviously kept it very quiet, but kept in a lot of contact with James about his chances. We had him probably next on our list at the NAB AFL Draft, so we’re very happy to take him with our first pick in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft.”

“Obviously he’s always played cricket during the summer and gone into football the following week [after the cricket season] and has done so for quite a few years, so he’s never really done a pre-season. He’s a bit behind on that level, but we think he’ll pick it up pretty quick.”

Moss was overlooked by all 16 clubs on NAB AFL draft day, but was invited to train with Port Adelaide prior to heading to Tassie for his cricketing commitments.

The Crows secured Moss with pick nine in the NAB Rookie draft, leaving the Power to snare highly regarded Woodville-West Torrens forward Nick Salter.

“We had major discussions over Salter and Moss. We thought that Salter might get through to the second round, but it wasn’t to be with Port,” Rendell said.

“I think Port had Moss rated highly, too. We’re very happy with it turned out. We have high hopes for Moss. We think he’s going to be a very good player and you can’t get everyone.”

Rendell said it didn’t take much to persuasion to convince Moss to pick ball over bat.

“He loves his footy. He loves his cricket obviously, too, but it was pretty easy,” he said.

“Once James came out of Willaston and had a taste of SANFL footy it made it even easier. He realised he could hold his own in that grade.”