Tutt flies flag for the capital

THE AUSTRALIAN Capital Territory looks set to have its second AFL-listed player in 2010, with interest in Jason Tutt growing ahead of next week's NAB AFL Draft.

At this point, Sydney Swan Craig Bolton is the only other Canberra-born player in the competition.

Several clubs have sounded out Tutt, who could fall somewhere between the third round and December's rookie draft.

Tutt attended last month's draft camp after representing NSW/ACT in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.

His beep test result was an impressive 14.4, while his efforts in the repeat sprints also came under notice.

A running defender/midfielder, Tutt possesses a penetrating right foot.

He had previously represented Australia in softball.

Few players have emerged from the ACT in recent years, however, it has produced a couple of gems over the journey including Alex Jesaulenko (Carlton) and James Hird (Essendon).

Jesaulenko and Bolton hail from Eastlake, whereas Hird and Tutt are from Ainslie.

Another champion of the game, Nathan Buckley, also spent time in the ACT during his younger days.

Log on to afl.com.au on D-day, Thursday, November 26, for the most comprehensive coverage of the 2009 NAB AFL Draft. We’ll have live chats, live audio streams, in-depth player profiles, club reaction and our famous afl.com.au Draft Tracker.