A shattered Sam Michael left Thursday night's AFL draft without a club to call his own, but he should remain hopeful of getting a bite in next month's rookie draft, according to AFL Cairns' development manager Eddie Skiba. The 200cm giant, who played his junior football at Cairns club Manunda Hawks, was a leading draft prospect earlier in the year, but slipped off the radar as the big day loomed.
Skiba said it was no reflection on Michael’s work ethic and attitude and he urged the 18-year-old to stay positive ahead of December’s second chance draw.
"He was pretty shattered, but I think he’s still a good chance (in the rookie draft)," Skiba said. "Twelve months ago he seemed almost a certainty to be picked up, but he just didn’t lift on the field when he had to and the view going in was that he would only be an outside chance."
Skiba said a career in the AFL was still possible for Michael, considering there are now 18 teams competing and clubs were happy to look at slightly older prospects.
"I think the door is still open for big guys like Sam for a few years yet," Skiba said.
Read more at http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2011/11/26/193435_local-sport-news.html
Courtesy of The Cairns Post.
Last Modified on 28/11/2011 10:34