Kevin Sheehan writes about his Round 3 #NABLeagueBoys eye-catcher:
Sometimes, in search of future stars, you’ll go to a game in the NAB League full of expectation that you might well see the emergence of multiple players on a potential path to the AFL. Mostly, it’s only a handful at best at any state league fixture. Last Saturday, before the game, I’d marked 21 genuine AFL prospects - including bottom aged players - in the match between NAB League heavy weights Sandringham Dragons and Oakleigh Chargers at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
And the match, as both a spectacle and a glimpse of the future, didn’t disappoint. An intense, high pressure game unfolded between two well coached teams expected to be in contention come September finals and just as prominent when the NAB AFL Draft comes around in November. On this occasion the Dragons were able to hold on from the persistent Chargers to win by 10 points.
One of the many to catch the eye was emerging Sandringham Dragons tall defender Josh Worrell. In just his 14th game for the Dragons, Worrell had a career high 23 possessions (60% contested) as he controlled his position across half back and provided consistent rebound for his team against quality opposition. In earlier games we have seen him play wing and up forward where his natural speed and agility for a youngster of 194cm set him apart.
Worrell appears to have a trait AFL scouts love which is known as “white line fever”. Relaxed off the field but fiercely competitive once he crosses the line ,he is a very good player one on one and thrives in the contest using the ball with precision on his preferred left foot. His ability to read the ball in flight and possessing a vice like grip overhead are other features of his still developing skill set.
Worrell, from Haileybury College, had a taste of the next level when he impressed on AFL Grand Final day last year for Team Riewoldt in the “Futures“ game.
In the physical mould and with some of the playing traits of Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli, Worrell’s versatility, contested ball winning ability and composure with the ball draws those comparisons. His intercept marking and judgement on when to mark and when to spoil draws comparison to West Coast Eagles young tall defender Tom Barrass.
There’s still lots to play out as this promising young Dragon begins to grow in confidence and starts to realise what he is capable of doing.
Worrell’s potential will again be on show when he lines up for Australia at Under 18s level against the VFL’s Casey Demons at the MCG on 20th April in a game to be shown live on Foxfooty at 11am. He’s also one to keep an eye on when he steps out for Vic Metro when the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships kick off in June.
Kevin Sheehan OAM
