Where they came from—2021 NAB AFL Draft (Tall Forwards/Rucks)
In the lead up to the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan is releasing a list of the drafts 'Top Prospects' every Thursday in different positional groups.
Part 1: Medium Forwards
Part 2: Medium Defenders
Part 3: Tall Forwards/Rucks
Part 4: Tall Defenders
Part 5: Small Forwards/Defenders/Mids
Part 6: Medium/Tall Midfielders
Sheehan will profile all 126 of the boys invited to the 2021 Nab AFL Draft Combine in the lead up to the event to be held on Wednesday November 24 and Thursday November 25.
To recognise the important role that community clubs play in developing our elite talent, AFL Victoria is releasing a Victorian focused list each week with accompanying photos of the prospects at their local clubs.
The NAB AFL Draft is part of the NAB AFL Rising Stars Program, which supports grassroots players and football communities and helps young Australians fulfil their dream of playing in the AFL.
All information on the 2021 NAB AFL Draft can be followed through the AFL Draft Hub at www.afl.com.au/draft.
Tall Forwards/Rucks
Mac Andrew
Community Club: Berwick FC
State: Victoria (Country)
Height: 200cm
Weight: 70kg
Date of Birth: 12/04/03
Emerging tall forward/ruckman who showed sparkling form at the start of the year with his overhead marking, natural leap, agility and speed. His standout features propelled him into the Australian under-18s team for its NAB AFL Academy match against Geelong’s VFL team in April where he was lively. Born in Egypt to Sudanese parents, he is part of Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy, noting the Demons can only match any bid for him after selection 20 with alterations made to the bidding system for the NAB AFL 2021 Draft in November. Looked highly promising with his aerial ability and mobility for Victoria Country in the AFL Challenge match against Victoria Metro, and averaged 12.7 disposals, 2.7 marks and 12.7 hitouts in six matches for the Dandenong Stingrays this year to claim NAB League Team of the Year honours.
Mac Andrew plays for Berwick the U15 Grand Final. Photo Pakenham Gazette
Anthony Caminiti
Community Club: Heidelberg FC
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 196cm
Weight: 83kg
Date of Birth: 09/12/03
Tall forward who can win the ball in the air and at ground level. Marking is his real weapon and his five-goal performance against the Brisbane Lions in the NAB League was an eye-catching performance. Only played three NAB League matches (averaging 11 disposals and four marks) as he shared his season with Carey Grammar. A state under aged athlete, he quickly was added to the trials for Victoria Metro this year before the shutdown curtailed the championships in September.
Anthony Caminiti in the Yellow and Black of Heidelberg Football Club
Toby Conway
Community Club: St. Mary’s FC
State: Victoria (Country)
Height: 205cm
Weight: 97kg
Date of Birth: 24/04/03
Ruckman who continues to develop, growing taller after first coming onto the radar and winning All-Australian honours at the 2019 NAB AFL U16 Championships when he was 197cm. Had a compelling season as a NAB AFL Draft prospect, playing six matches with the Geelong Falcons and averaging 13.8 disposals, 2.8 marks and 27 hitouts to claim NAB League Team of the Year honours. Was also prominent for both Victoria Country at under-19s level and Australia at under-18s levels in representative matches this year. His marking, ruck craft and preparedness to support his team and work hard defensively, has drawn comparisons to Brisbane ruckman Oscar McInerney.
Sam Darcy
Community Club: Glen Iris FC
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 204cm
Weight: 73kg
Date of Birth: 19/07/03
Tall forward who can also play down back or in the ruck, using his athletic attributes and skill set to great effect. A one-touch mark overhead, he also reads the ball very well in flight and launches himself to take contested marks, drawing comparisons to the King twins, Max and Ben, a couple of years back. Has a technically sound goalkicking routine, and booted six goals in a Victorian Metro trial match. He then kicked a special goal on his non-preferred left foot from the boundary line in the AFL Challenge match against Victoria Country. Only played three matches with the Chargers, averaging 16 disposals, 6.3 marks and six hitouts, as well as sparkling for Scotch College. He was selected in the Team of the Year on his overall performances. Is the son of former Western Bulldogs star Luke Darcy and eligible for the Bulldogs under the father-son rule.
Felix Flockart
Community Club: Sandringham Zebras, VFL
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 203cm
Weight: 94kg
Date of Birth: 05/11/01
Resilient young ruckman who has overcome adversity with injury, illness as well as pandemic shutdowns in the last three years. Has a very impressive, athletic profile, competing at state level in the 800 metres and high jump, indicating he has some of the physical traits of the modern ruckman. Still developing his ruck craft and positioning around the ground to impact the game, but has shown distinct promise to be selected in the Victorian Young Guns game this year, as well as playing four matches with the Sandringham Dragons for an average of 10.2 disposals, three marks and 12.5 hitouts.
Sam Paea
Community Club: Aberfeldie FC
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 194cm
Weight: 94kg
Date of Birth: 14/07/02
Tall forward whose hard running allows him to consistently present as a marking target up forward. Strong overhead and good below the knees, he was a member of the Victoria Metro under-19 squad as well as playing in the Young Guns game earlier in the year. Strong performer for the Calder Cannons in seven games, and outstanding late in the shortened season, kicking four goals against the Jets and five goals against the Falcons to be his team's best. Had a taste of VFL with Essendon as he continued his development. Comes from a sporting family with father representing New Zealand in basketball.
Josh Rentsch
Community Club: Penshurst FC
State: Victoria (Country)
Height: 197cm
Weight: 100kg
Date of Birth: 14/09/03
Tall forward who plays with a real physical presence up forward for his team. A natural leader on the field, he is very team oriented as well as being a strong mark both on the lead and overhead. He showcased his prowess in representing Victoria Country in AFL Challenge match this year. Developed another string to his bow this season, assisting with ruck duties up forward and around the ground, using his ruck craft to help his team dominate clearances. Played nine matches for the Rebels, averaging 11.8 disposals 8.8 hitouts and 1.6 goals, and was a very worthy joint winner of the Morrish Medal as the NAB League’s best-and-fairest player and selected in the Team of the Year.
Dante Visentini
Community Club: Sandringham Dragons, NAB League
State: Victoria (Metro)
Height: 201cm
Weight: 88kg
Date of Birth: 13/02/03
Imposing athletic tall forward whose overhead marking is his competitive advantage, along with his height. Presents well as a target and provides that vital contest which brings the ball to ground if he doesn’t mark, providing his team with opportunities. Very useful option also in the ruck, a role he played this year for both Victoria Metro at under-19s level (11 disposals and 10 hitouts) as well as for the Sandringham Dragons in six matches, averaging 10.3 disposals, 2.8 marks and 8.5 hitouts.
