There was no time for nerves today as the majority of AFL coaches, accompanied by recruiting, medical and fitness staff, watched on as the players completed a host of speed and agility tests.  

Following Tuesday’s induction, day two was focused on explosive power and movement.

RELATED: Day 1 wrap

Alan Richardson was on hand for the first time as a senior AFL coach, having been appointed to the role just days before the National Draft in November last year.

He admitted his input would be minimal this week, but maintained he would still have a voice in meetings and interviews alongside Recruiting Manager Tony Elshaug, List Manager Ameet Bains and Head of Football Chris Pelchen.

“As a senior coach, I’m focused on the team, whereas the recruiters are all over the talent… from that point of view, it’s a great opportunity for me to talk to the guys and see all of the players,” Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.

“My involvement here is to say how I want the game to be played, these are the shortcoming on our list, this is what we need and you guys need to get the talent in.

“It’s incredibly exciting.”

As for the testing itself, anything under three seconds for the 20 metre sprint is considered elite, while any time around the eight second mark for the agility test can potentially elevate a player into first or second round contention.

The repeat sprints test involves six, 30 metre sprints on a 20 second cycle. Anything under 24 seconds will more than likely earn a player a top-10 finish in that category.

In 2011, Daniel Markworth finished sixth in repeat sprints and equal fourth in the 20 metre sprint with a time of 2.89 seconds. The Saints went on to take him with the 35th pick at that year's National Draft.

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While bringing the best pure footballers to the club was critical according to Richardson, these tests have the potential to highlight particular players above their raw playing ability.

“There are not too many positions where speed and agility don’t make you a better performer,” he said.

“The athletic profile gives you a bit of scope if they blow the track up here. Brad Hill for Hawthorn is an example of that and we’ve had some as well, and that is potentially what this testing can unveil.”

Above all else, Richardson is thrilled to be attending his first Draft Combine as a senior coach after 15 years as an assistant.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to see the young blokes in action, to see their effort, to see how they go under pressure,” he said.

“They are a bit like an animal in a zoo – their careers hinge on results here. It’s great to see how they respond under pressure because AFL footy is a tough caper.”
High Performance Manager Adam Basil was also on hand, offering detailed advice to the throng of part-time and full-time Saints recruiters.

“My role is just concerned with giving the recruiters’ feedback on specific players in regards to speed and agility testing,” Basil told SAINTS.com.au.

“These tests are important because it gives us information on players in regards to how well they move in today’s game.”

Basil competed at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and having reached the highest level in athletics (he ran the first leg for Australia in the 4x100 metre final), is acutely aware of the importance of movement and raw speed in elite sport.

“We are looking for players to be going under three seconds for the 20 metre sprint,” he said.

“It is not the be all and end all, but it certainly contributes to some aspects of the modern game. If the kids can show that potential then it’s a big tick for them.”
On Thursday the testing moves from athleticism to ball skills, with the traditional shuttle run likely to separate the elite athletes from the rest.

There are a range of handballing, kicking, goal kicking and clean hands assessments which will be conducted in the morning.

200cm US sensation Marvin Baynham recorded the fastest 20 metre sprint time with 2.81 seconds, just 0.04 seconds behind the all-time record.

St Kilda Football Club’s Twitter account will be covering the beep test in detail tomorrow afternoon. Follow us: @stkildafc  


Jarrod Garlett during the agility test.