MELBOURNE has selected six players in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft - Daniel Nicholson (University Blues), Michael Evans (Claremont), Kelvin Lawrence (Peel Thunder), Cameron Johnston (Geelong Falcons), Robert Campbell (Box Hill Hawks) and Tom McNamara (Melbourne).
Campbell, a member of Hawthorn's 2008 premiership team, returns to the AFL after retiring at the end of 2009 due to a knee injury. But he returned to the VFL this year and made an impression, which resulted in the Demons rejuvenating his AFL career.
McNamara, who has been training with the club during the pre-season after being delisted from the senior list, has gained another opportunity.
Nicholson and Johnston have also been training with the Dees in recent weeks.
Melbourne also selected two Western Australian players: Michael Evans from Claremont and Kelvin Lawrence from Peel Thunder.
The Demons have now finalised their list for 2011.
Campbell, a member of Hawthorn's 2008 premiership team, returns to the AFL after retiring at the end of 2009 due to a knee injury. But he returned to the VFL this year and made an impression, which resulted in the Demons rejuvenating his AFL career.
McNamara, who has been training with the club during the pre-season after being delisted from the senior list, has gained another opportunity.
Nicholson and Johnston have also been training with the Dees in recent weeks.
Melbourne also selected two Western Australian players: Michael Evans from Claremont and Kelvin Lawrence from Peel Thunder.
The Demons have now finalised their list for 2011.
Melbourne's selections in NAB AFL Rookie Draft
No.14 - Daniel Nicholson (University Blues)
Height: 183cm
Weight: 76kg
DOB: 02/11/90
Bio: Pacy midfielder/running defender who has dominated Melbourne's amateur footy competition for two seasons while playing with University Blues. Grew up in Victoria's western district then went to school at St Pat's in Ballarat. A 20-year-old. Ball handling clean in the wet and hits targets by foot. Great balance, keeps his feet. Some terrific one handed pick-ups at pace. Has nice evasive moves and a quick burst of acceleration. Low, flat left foot kick and can kick plus 55 metres. Team orientated player. Workrate very good. Always on the move and worked to all areas of the ground.
No.14 - Daniel Nicholson (University Blues)
Height: 183cm
Weight: 76kg
DOB: 02/11/90
Bio: Pacy midfielder/running defender who has dominated Melbourne's amateur footy competition for two seasons while playing with University Blues. Grew up in Victoria's western district then went to school at St Pat's in Ballarat. A 20-year-old. Ball handling clean in the wet and hits targets by foot. Great balance, keeps his feet. Some terrific one handed pick-ups at pace. Has nice evasive moves and a quick burst of acceleration. Low, flat left foot kick and can kick plus 55 metres. Team orientated player. Workrate very good. Always on the move and worked to all areas of the ground.
No.31 - Michael Evans (Claremont)
Height: 180cm
Weight: 75kg
DOB: 13/07/92
Bio: Medium-sized midfielder with a decent turn of speed and the endurance to keep it up. Very quick on his feet. He is very much a corridor player and creates options in the middle of the ground. Clean skills and he has very good skills both sides of the body. Very much a classic well skilled WA player. Athletic. Quite a good size for a midfielder and he uses the ball really well when he gets it. Breaks the game open by his run and carry and excellent penetrating kick.
No.48 - Kelvin Lawrence (Peel Thunder)
Height: 177cm
Weight: 72kg
DOB: 14/10/92
Bio: Possesses speed and evasion. Has clean hands and is good pressure. An excellent kick, who finds space.
No.63 - Cameron Johnston (Geelong Falcons)
Height: 181cm
Weight: 78kg
DOB: 24/2/92
Bio: Quick and versatile player who can play a hit-up forward role or go down back. Very athletic type overall and a long kick. Depth in kicking and is a good decision-maker. Strong defensive work, he has composure when in possession. He has composure when in possession, isn’t rushed. He is strong through the hips and well balanced. He is a powerful kick on the right and can kick 60m easily. Johnston has strong hands and is good below his knees. He can also play at both ends. He is quick off the lead and has quick hands.
No.75 - Robert Campbell (Box Hill Hawks)
Height: 199cm
Weight: 108kg
DOB: 2/6/82
Bio: The 2008 premiership ruckman is back in the AFL, after retiring at the end of the 2009 season due to a knee injury. But he returned in the VFL last year and was particularly impressive. He can also play in a key post. Campbell is now the second oldest player on Melbourne's list. He will offer experience to the young red and blue squad.
No.83 - Tom McNamara (Melbourne)
Height: 190cm
Weight: 89kg
DOB: 29/4/90
Bio: Was training with the squad over the pre-season, after being delisted following the first list lodgement. McNamara made his debut in 2009 and showed some promising signs. Although known as a defender, he can also push up the ground. Still developing, he gains another opportunity with the Dees.
