THERE was an sense of nervous excitement eminating around the Etihad Stadium aisles and various corporate and function rooms on day one of the AFL Draft Combine today.
101 hopefuls, including four international prospects, made their way into Etihad Stadium ahead of AFL National Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan’s 12.45pm official welcome.
A strong media contingent was on hand to catch a glimpse of the next wave of stars, while 150 scouts and recruiters from all over the country set up camp in 18 boxes overlooking the ground.
These will serve as interview rooms for dozens of teenagers over the next four days, illustrating the thoroughness of the emotional and mental examinations that accompany a range of strenuous physical tests this week.
“Today is the day to get to know everyone,” Sheehan told SAINTS.com.au in an exclusive interview.
“Today we will also have our vertical jump and we will see if anyone can break Nic Naitanui’s record of 102cm for a running vertical jump.
“It’s a fairly easy day physically, but tomorrow we will be in to the sprints and the agility.”
The reflex testing, sponsored by OPSM, is a critical part of the week according to Sheehan.
“Your hand movement speed is so important,” he said.
“If your vision matches up with your hand movement speed, then you can see things quicker other players and as a result react quicker.”
“Peripheral vision is very important in footy as well. Some of the tests are about that and the boys have to spot lights out of the corner of their eyes and react quickly…
An 18-year-old who impressed in that component of testing today was Hugh Goddard, the second cousin of ex-Saint Brendon Goddard.
“Hugh was one of the best in that test today and he’s a boy of 196cm from Geelong Falcons,” Sheehan said.
“Depth perception, reflexes, peripheral vision and judgement are all crucial aspects of being a footballer.”
One of these tests is called the Saccadic Fixator, a challenging examination of a player’s concentration, competitiveness and peripheral vision.
Any score of 40 or more is considered elite, and Vic Country key forward Patrick McCartin’s score of 44 today turned heads, while medium sized midfielder Jack Steele’s 48 was the best of the afternoon.
Angus Brayshaw (left) and Patrick McCartin (right) complete the reflex testing.
From a St Kilda perspective, Recruiting Manager Tony Elshaug spoke to the media and re-affirmed the club’s position on its first pick in November’s National Draft.
“Pick one is on the table,” Elshaug said.
“This week is another step forward in us gaining a greater understanding of all the players, so that we can make informed and deliberate list management decisions with all of the information available to us... We have a clear strategy both on and off the field."
While the Saints recruiters have already ventured into the homes of many potential draftees, further interviews are an important component of this week, according to List Manager Ameet Bains.
"We completed 16 interviews today, each one lasting for somewhere between 15 and 30 minutes," Bains told SAINTS.com.au.
"It's a great chance for us to follow up on any additional questions we may have after home visits, and keep up to date with how the players feel they are tracking ahead of the draft... We have a clear list management strategy aimed at bringing in young players.
"We have a lot of young talent at the club and there will be plenty more coming in."
Tomorrow's testing will focus on sprints and agility, with an especially strong emphasis on repeat running efforts. 
Kevin Sheehan welcomes the players, the media and the recruiters to the 21st Draft Combine.
