CARLTON has tapped back into its former recruiting zone, adding a trio of Bendigo Pioneers to its list at Friday night’s AFL National Draft.
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The Blues used their first two selections on Pioneers’ midfield duo Paddy Dow (No.3) and Lochie O’Brien (No.10), before later picking Angus Schumacher (No.70).
Dow, O’Brien and Strathfieldsaye’s Schumacher – who is also a Carlton supporter – were among six Bendigo Pioneers drafted.
Also drafted from the Pioneers were versatile key position player Jarrod Brander (West Coast, No.13), Brent Daniels (GWS Giants, No.27) and Kane Farrell (Port Adelaide, No.51).
Only 1997’s haul of seven has bettered the Pioneers’ 2017 tally of six players picked at the National Draft.
Dow, O’Brien, Brander and Daniels are all students at Geelong Grammar, which has restricted their games for the Pioneers over the past two years, but all have been on the club’s list since they were 16-year-olds.
“It’s unreal… I can’t wait to start and earn the respect of all the boys. It’s really overwhelming at the moment,” Dow said during Fox Footy’s coverage.
The big wraps on Dow, from Swan Hill, are highlighted by AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan likening the 18-year-old to Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield.
Dow was selected behind top two picks Cameron Rayner (Brisbane) and Andrew Brayshaw (Fremantle).
“Paddy is explosive out of stoppages, so we’re really excited by what he can bring to our midfield,” Carlton general manager of list management Stephen Silvagni said.
“He was a consistent performer throughout the year, and he has also got a great character, so he’ll fit in well at Carlton.”
Pacy left-footer O’Brien, from Mildura, has already had a connection with the Blues, having previously spent his AFL Academy club week at Carlton.
“He’s an excellent athlete who has a good combination of speed and endurance, and importantly he knows how to use this to his advantage,” Silvagni said.
Silvagni described Schumacher as “one of those players who always seems to have time with the ball.”
West Coast says Brander is a “good overhead mark who has the ability to have a commanding influence on a game.”
Lively small forward Daniels from Nyah Nyah West United is the first Bendigo Pioneer drafted by the Giants.
“We believe he’s the best small forward in the draft. He’s footy smart and has the skills and speed to be a damaging forward of centre player,” Giants’ national recruiting manager Adrian Caruso said.
Farrell, from Castlemaine, joins fellow Pioneer draftees Ollie Wines, Aidyn Johnson and Joe Atley on Port Adelaide’s list.
