Ahead of next Friday night's NAB AFL Draft, where St Kilda holds picks No. 7, No. 8, No. 34 and No. 45, saints.com.au has received an insight into the world of list management from the recruiting team at Linen House Centre.
What is your pathway to recruiting at the Saints?
5 years in recruiting at Collingwood
How many years have you worked at the club and in recruiting?
3 years
What states or territories do you cover?
NSW/ACT / QLD / NT / TAS
Who was the best player recruited from your region in 2016?
Will Setterfield (NSW/ACT) - Greater Western Sydney
How many interstate trips have you been on this year?
20+ as well as a trip to New Zealand for the Level 1 NAB Academy Camp
How many games have you watched this year?
100+
How many prospective recruits have you interviewed?
Approximately 60, with at least half of those at home and some
Who is the best player you have seen at the age of 18?
Dyson Heppell was pretty dominant, particularly in the finals series before he got drafted. Lachie Whitfield was special also.
What is the most important attribute you look for in a recruit and why?
Character and competitiveness – without those it’s very hard to make the most of any ability.
Which current Saint did you watch play the most before he was drafted?
Jade Gresham
Was there a moment with that player that stands out in his draft year?
In the last game of the TAC Cup season, he kicked 3 goals and had 30+ possessions. Two of his goals came in the last quarter to lift his team over the line – the last one was a set shot from the boundary to put Northern in front late in the game and he never looked like missing. It just rubber stamped him as a player of high quality and character.
Who is the best value pick on St Kilda’s list?
Hard to go past Jarryn Geary – Pick No. 58 in a rookie draft and now an AFL captain.
How important is the interview process in evaluating a prospective recruit?
Extremely important. It helps us piece together who they are as a person and where they come from and then marry it up to their football journey.
How would you describe Tony Elshaug?
Vastly experienced and thorough.
