Gysberts gets a kick out of test

JORDAN Gysberts was under no illusion about the most difficult challenge facing him at the recent NAB AFL draft camp.

Recruiters, media and even the young draft candidates themselves were curious to see the results of the camp’s new kicking test designed by Nathan Buckley.

But Gysberts, rated by some as a potential first-round draft selection, had one distinct advantage having already tried the test six weeks earlier when it was unveiled at his school, Yarra Valley Grammar in Melbourne’s east.

Gysberts and four of his teammates at TAC Cup team Eastern Ranges tried the test on a cold Tuesday afternoon in front of Buckley, AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan and 30 or so school mates looking for some lunch time entertainment.

The practice paid off for the 18-year-old who finished equal-second when the test debuted in Canberra.

“I was out there for the first time at the trial and I’ve practiced it about once a week since I had that first crack at it,” Gysberts said.

“It was more the way you go about it, how you react after a bad kick.”

Gysberts, a lifelong Collingwood fan, scored 22 at 73 per cent efficiency, just one point behind Gary Rohan of the Geelong Falcons. While the test is not an exact replica of match day pressure, the results had recruiters taking notice.

The tall midfielder spoke to six different clubs while in Canberra and said he was trying to keep calm despite knowing his AFL dream beckoned.

“It can be a little bit overwhelming. It is a pretty exciting time as well to meet the clubs and have the interviews. It’s a bit of a privilege,” he said.

“Adelaide was probably one of the harder ones I’ve done but most of them were pretty good. They’re just trying to get to know me.”

Gysberts is a versatile tall midfielder with a liking for putting his head over the hard ball and is not expected to last long after the first round at next month’s NAB AFL draft.