Page 49 - AFL QUEENSLAND 2013 YEAR IN REVIEW

Eleven Queensland players were given the opportunity to compete at AFL level in 2014. Six were rookie listed, three promoted rookies, one an Academy selection and one a National Draft Pick.
TOM BELL – CARLTON - NATIONAL DRAFT, PICK 94 (PROMOTED ROOKIE)
Bell was introduced to AFL at age 12 after spending his junior years as a soccer player. He graduated from Iona College in 2008, later joining Morningside in the NEAFL in 2010. By 2011 Bell was a regular senior player for the Panthers, impressing on the wing and along half-back.
He was selected by Carlton at Pick 14 in the 2012 Rookie Draft and made his debut in Round 17. Bell played the final seven games of the 2012 season, his strong performances earning him Carlton’s Best First-Year Player award and a two- year contract extension.
Bell played a further nine games in 2013 and featured in the Blues’ finals campaign. After two seasons on the rookie list, Carlton promoted Bell to their senior list for 2014.
ADAM OXLEY – COLLINGWOOD – NATIONAL DRAFT, PICK 92 (PROMOTED ROOKIE)
A Redland Bay local, Adam Oxley spent the better part of 12 years with Redland at both junior and senior level.
Oxley represented Queensland at Under-18’s and a stellar 2012 NEAFL season for Redland caught the eye of recruiters.
Collingwood took a chance on the 191cm medium defender, drafting him at pick 39 in the 2013 Rookie Draft. Oxley immediately showed promise, his skills and ability to spoil giving him scope to play in defence, on the wing or in attack.
He managed a pair of games in 2013, continually pressing for senior selection. His efforts were rewarded at the end of 2013, promoted to Collingwood’s senior list for the 2014 season.
RICKY PETTERD – RICHMOND – NATIONAL DRAFT, PICK 93 (PROMOTED ROOKIE)
Born in Tasmania, Petterd moved to Queensland with his family in 1997, debuting as a 16-year old with the Broadbeach Cats.
Selected at Pick 30 in the 2006 National Draft, Petterd was considered a bargain. His debut against Sydney in round 5, 2007 saw him rack
up 20 quality possessions. A string of injuries halted Petterd’s development and playing time at Melbourne, the classy utility delisted at the end of 2012.
Petterd was thrown a lifeline by Richmond in December 2012, drafted at Pick 7 in the Rookie Draft. A rejuvenated Petterd contributed in 12 quality games for the Tigers in 2013, regaining his fitness and strength to impress coaching staff.
Mostly used as a half-back, the versatile Queenslander was promoted to the Tigers senior list at the 2013 National Draft.
JONOTHAN FREEMAN – BRISBANE LIONS
– NATIONAL DRAFT, PICK 62 (ACADEMY PLAYER)
The 198cm, 96kg forward was taken with the 62nd pick in the fourth round of the National Draft after Brisbane committed to taking the youngster as a zone selection. The result is a great turnaround for Freeman, who one year earlier was overlooked by all 18 AFL clubs in the 2012 AFL Draft.
The key forward boasts an excellent ability to track the ball in the air and take contested marks.
He covers the ground with poise and ease, displaying clean hands and strength, making him a perfect leading target.
ALIIR ALIIR – SYDNEY – NATIONAL DRAFT, PICK 44
Aliir was born in a refugee camp in Kenya to Sudanese parents. His family fled the country
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when Aliir was eight, eventually settling in Brisbane. Aliir attended Kedron High School and was invited by a friend to play Aussie Rules for Aspley in 2009.
Just a year after joining Aspley, Aliir was selected for the World XVIII team to compete at the under 16 National Championships in 2010. Aliir was once again selected for the World Team in 2011 and then for Queensland in the 2012 NAB AFL under 18 Championships.
In April 2012, Aliir made his senior debut for Aspley in the NEAFL against Southport. After being overlooked in the 2012 AFL Draft, Aliir made the decision to relocate to Perth to live with his family. After a stellar season for East Fremantle in 2013, he was drafted at Pick 44 in the National Draft by the Sydney Swans.
QUEENSLAND DRAFT CLASS OF 2013