Collingwood’s NSW-scholarship players Michael Hartley and Jarrod Witts were both named in the best in the NSW Rams’ 11-point win over the Northern Knights last week; 16.7 (103) to 13.14 (92).
Hartley and Witts were signed by the Magpies back in 2009 and have since developed their games north of the border.
The two talls played pivotal roles in the win with Hartley playing a very disciplined game as a key defender collecting 14 possessions and Witts starring in the ruck with 17 possessions and 12 hitouts.
Collingwood has enjoyed a successful program with several players including Tom Young (on the senior list) and Scott Reed (on the rookie list) earning their place after initially signing with the club as NSW rookies.
The club currently has seven players contracted through the NSW program. Adrian Yakimov, Tyson Carracher, Hartley and Witts will aim to be picked up by the club in this year’s draft. John Haggerty, Jed Hillman and Elijah Edwards will have to wait another two seasons until they are eligible.
Collingwood's national recruiting manager Derek Hine spoke to collingwoodfc.com.au earlier in the week about the development of Witts and Hartley.
“Leading into this year’s national draft we have in Jarrod Witts a potential developing ruck," Hine said.
"We are very pleased with Jarrod’s development. He now stands at 208 cm and weighs 107 kg. He is a very strong competitor and his form has been very encouraging," added Hine.
"Michael Hartley, who is 195 cm, has started to settle as a key defender and although he hasn’t played a lot of games in defense he really has taken to the position. He naturally reads the ball coming in and competes very well both in air and at ground level and is able to take both talls and smalls.
"It's an added bonus with Michael that he has a very good jump and has shown an ability to go into the ruck.
"We will be able to assess both Jarrod and Michael at the National Championships and hopefully in our VFL team post the championships”.
The NSW scholarship scheme is entering its final year due to the inception of the two new AFL clubs.
“We are disappointed that the scheme is ceasing but we are also understanding of the reasons given the entry of GWS into the competition, we are very hopeful that our remaining NSW’s scholarship players will potentially provide us with some listing scope in the coming seasons as we have a nice spread of players positionally.”
Click here to view the profiles of the current NSW players.
