NATIONAL recruiting manager Jason Taylor says Melbourne added a variety of players to finalise its 2018 squad.
Speaking after Friday night’s NAB AFL Draft in Sydney, Taylor was delighted to add Charlie Spargo, Bayley Fritsch, Harrison Petty and Oskar Baker to Melbourne's 2018 squad.
“It was a pretty open night. There wasn't many surprises, but you’re just not sure on nights like this and how it’s going to play out. We’re worried about our lot – and we’re pleased with our outcomes,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“With variety in our picks – a key defender, a small forward/mid, an outside player with a bit of run-and-dash and also Bayley [Fritsch] with his forward craft – there is a really good mix now.
“Those boys will come in on Monday and put their head down, bum up and get to work, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Taylor on Melbourne’s draft selections
Pick No.29 – Charlie Spargo (Murray Bushrangers)
Highlights | Get to know Spargo
“He’s an AFL Academy member and from the Murray Bushrangers, up Albury way and is a border at Melbourne Grammar. Charlie’s got a rich history in the game, with his father playing for North Melbourne and the Brisbane Bears. His great grandfather Bob played with the Bulldogs and a couple of games for Melbourne, so there is a nice connection there. He’s a small forward/midfielder, Charlie, and he’s got a really good athletic package. What we really like about his game is his intensity and aggression, and willingness and ability to cover the ground. We think he’ll be a good addition.”
No.31 – Bayley Fritsch (Casey Demons)
Highlights | Get to know Fritsch
“It’s outstanding for the club and our link with Casey and the Casey Demons to have Bayley. [It's also a credit to] Justin Plapp and the other coaches over the journey, and hats off to Bayley for the work he’s put in. He’s had difficulty with injury over a three-year period, but we’ve followed him and he’s put it together this year and he won the Fothergill-Round Medal [for the best young VFL player] and he’s had a really strong season. We were rapt to give him an opportunity.”
No.37 – Harrison Petty (Norwood)
Highlights | Get to know Petty
“Harrison adds to the mix. In Charlie, we got that small we were after and Bayley has got that forward craft in the air and he’s a goalkicker. And Harrison adds to our key defensive stocks, so we were pleased to get Harrison at that point. He’s just a really calm and collected player who reads the ball well in the air and he’s pretty cool under pressure with his decision-making and execution. He’s a country lad in South Australia and he’s a good character.”
No.48 – Oskar Baker (Aspley)
Highlights | Get to know Baker
“He’s from Wags’ (Josh Wagner) footy club, so there is a connection there, so we continue the tradition of bringing a player from Aspley. Oskar’s a really good story. He’s formerly of the Brisbane Lions academy. He ended up playing with Aspley in the NEAFL and just grew from strength-to-strength throughout the year. He’s got some real speed in his game, and he likes to take the game forward. He can play the wing well and he can also go forward and hit the scoreboard. We think he can add some real scope to our midfield mix, and we’re rapt to give him an opportunity at AFL level.”
