Page 68 - AFL Queensland 2014 in Review

04
QUEENSLAND DRAFT CLASS OF 2014
2014 DRAFTEES
#13 - LACHIE WELLER (FREMANTLE)
Weller is a classy midfielder, who is considered one of the best kicks in this year’s draft crop. The Tasmanian-born Weller moved to Queensland at 15, playing senior football with Broadbeach in the NEAFL in 2012 and 2013. In the restructured NEAFL this season, Weller became a regular member of the Southport senior team, when not playing for Queensland or the AIS- AFL Academy. He took centre stage on Grand Final day, in the Allies vs AFL Academy match.
#44 - LIAM DAWSON (BRISBANE LIONS)
Dawson is one of the more versatile Queenslanders in the draft this season. In 2013, the Aspley player won the Harrison Medal as best Division Two player at the U18 Nationals, playing at full back. This season, he continued to play predominantly in defence for Aspley, but pushed into the midfield and forward line in state football. A broken scapula ended his nationals campaign prematurely but he finished off with two strong TAC Cup matches. Richmond bid for Dawson at Octobers Academy meeting but the Lions matched their bid.
#63 HARRIS ANDREWS (BRISBANE LIONS)
Andrews jumped into draft contention in 2014, after only one season in
the Brisbane Lions Academy. After winning the NEAFL U18 leading goal kicking in 2013, the Aspley junior started the season as a key forward but it was his defensive efforts as the season progressed, which caught the eye of recruiters. Andrews is a strong contested mark and has added strength to his build this season. Brisbane Lions pounced on the vastly improved youngster, locking him in a month ago at the Academy bid meeting, matching North Melbourne’s bid.
ROOKIE UPGRADES
ANDREW BOSTON (GOLD COAST)
Boston was originally selected as a rookie by the SUNS in the 2013 rookie draft. Boston made his debut in Rd 13 of the 2013 season, playing eight games for the season. The 2012 NEAFL Northern Conference Rising Star missed almost the entire 2014 season with an ankle injury, but his potential was rewarded with promotion to the senior list for 2015.
JOSH HALL (GOLD COAST)
A former high jumper, Hall has shown immense improvement in his two seasons with the SUNS. Hall made his debut against Richmond in Cairns in July of 2012. He has played five senior games since that debut, before being promoted to the senior list for 2015.
JOEL TIPPETT (KANGAROOS)
In his fourth stint as an AFL rookie, Joel Tippett earned promotion to North Melbourne’s senior list. Tippett played two games for the Gold Coast before two seasons in the SANFL. Those SANFL seasons impressed the Kangaroos, who rookie-listed him in 2014. Tippett played four games for North Melbourne this season, before being promoted for 2015.
ROOKIE DRAFTEES
BRAYDON PREUSS (NORTH MELBOURNE)
A Gold Coast SUNS Academy member, Townsville’s Preuss has a rugby league background and that shows in his aggression and tackling skills. Primarily
a ruckman, Preuss has shown his ability in the forward line as well. Preuss played as an over ager in the Queensland U18 team this season.
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