Canberra Demons pair Jordan Harper and Lucas Meline have been invited to attend the 2016 AFL State Draft Combine this October.
Photo by Dayna Ransley
After 5 years of being overlooked, a successful and consistent season at the Canberra Demons will see 23 year old Jordan Harper attend the State Combine as a mature age player.
In a journey that has not been easy, Harper has been left without a home club twice with the Belconnen Magpies opting out of the competition in 2014, and Ainslie Tricolours in 2015 before joining the Canberra Demons in 2016.
Despite these distractions, the midfielder kept his personal goals at the forefront of his mind heading into the 2016 NEAFL season.
“I suppose when you go into a new season you sit down and nut out all of your goals. The big picture is to do your best and get your name out there, that’s the ultimate goal coming through playing at NEAFL level. But first and foremost to perform week in and week out” Said Harper.
With a little bit of life experience under his belt, Harper believes that coming into the State Combine as a mature age player will be a factor that sets him apart from the rest.
“Being mature age I have the ability to fit into a role straight away at AFL level and I think AFL Clubs can identify that already. At my age I’ve already got a University degree and life skills that I can take into an elite environment which will allow me to really strive at a Club if it all works out” Said Harper.
While being a mature age player has its advantages, it also has its challenges. Harper has looked to examples like Josh Wagner and Ainslie product Aaron Vendenberg for guidance.
“The main player would be Aaron Vandenberg, he was the first mature age player to get drafted from the region. It shows that the NEAFL can be a great pathway for mature age players being drafted at AFL level.”
“My Coach Ben Waite, Ainslie’s Chris Rourke and my dad have all played a key role as well” Said Harper.
Harper believes that the pathways available to the players in the region are feasible.
“The number of players invited to the National Combine and the State Combine speak for themselves. To get to the Combine is a great effort for the NSW/ACT Rams boys Sam Fisher and Lucas Meline, it goes to show that something is working and that these pathways are a viable option” Said Harper.
Head Coach of the Canberra Demons Ben Waite believes that this invitation is a testament to Harpers professionalism and determination over the 2016 season at the Demons.
“Jordy came to the club from Ainslie and we thought for him to get to next level he needed to add more penetration to his game and also a tighter defensive and contested element to his game. He and the coaching team have worked quite hard on that which has seen his contested numbers go through the roof; hitting scoreboard and his inside 50s have been fantastic. Going from an outside player to now an inside player with the ability to be damaging on the outside too makes him a tough match up for any opposition.”
“It’s a credit to him that he had accepted the areas he needed to work on and put his head down and has worked on them which is a testament to his professionalism and his football. I am very happy and hope he reaps all rewards that come his way “Said Waite.
Leeton Whitton Football Club’s Lucas Meline made the move to Canberra from his hometown in early 2016 to study physiotherapy and pursue his football career further playing for the Canberra Demons in the NEAFL.
“It’s a big achievement. I’m extremely happy to have been selected; I know there are a lot of talented boys that have missed out. There is a lot of talent coming through our region and I’m just so thankful that I have this opportunity.” Said Meline.
Ben Waite believes the addition of Meline has been particularly beneficial in the Canberra Demons’ first season in the NEAFL.
“Lucas is a smart, young, articulate guy who’s reasonably quiet. The group quickly accepted him and it did not take him long to become a favorite within the team.”
“Unfortunately he had a season ending injury 2015 which meant he missed out on making the NSW/ACT Rams last year. He was then accepted as an overage player in 2016 and with a consistent year of football at the Canberra Demons and the Giants NEAFL team, he’s been able to show everyone what he’s capable of which is a lead runner, great overhead mark, he reads game well and is a good decision maker. His skills have been hugely advantageous for the Canberra demons this year. “ Said Waite.
Last Modified on 03/08/2016 15:20