Calvin Thorne will watch the 2016 National AFL Draft with bated breath as he hopes to hear his name called for a spot on an AFL list next week.
The Peel Thunder draft prospect will gather with fellow 2016 hopefuls Shai Bolton, Sam Powell-Pepper and Noah Hura as they eagerly await word that could determine their futures.
Thorne has nominated for the draft on the back of a 2016 season that saw him play 17 league games with the Thunder, averaging 13 disposals and kicking four goals in spurts between the wing and forward line.
He is touted as a possible late-round selection, but believes his experience playing against senior footballers could help him in his bid for an AFL contract.
“I didn’t play much colts this season, so I’m pretty familiar with going up against bigger bodies,” he said.
“I would have liked to play more colts, but I think playing 17 league games this year helps me out a bit. There are still a few things I would need to adjust to.”
Thorne impressed in his transition to league football, often keeping his spot in Peel’s team despite a number of Fremantle players coming in and out of the side.
But the Rockingham Rams junior remained modest when asked to reflect on his season.
“I think I could have done better,” he said.
“I had some good games and some bad games and I would have liked to find a little more consistency in my footy.”
The 18-year-old has a knack for find space around the forward line, but admits he needs to work on his defensive game.
Thorne caught the eye of scouts at the WA State AFL Draft Combine where he scored good results in the agility test (8.17 seconds) and the 20 metre sprint (2.81 seconds).
He finished second of 17 participants in both categories.
The speedy runner is trying to keep the draft out of his mind and stay fixed on pre-season training with Peel, but admits it is difficult to remains focused.
“I’m trying to block it out a bit – when I go home for the day footy is over, and I prefer to unwind and not think about footy at all,” he said.
“But I’m getting more nervous the closer it comes so it’s harder and harder to stay focused.”
If Thorne is unsuccessful in the National Draft, he will look to the pre-season draft as his avenue into the AFL.
The National Draft will be held on Friday, November 25.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
