Rookie draft summary

The Saints have completed their list for the 2010 season with four selections in today’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

The Saints used their selection at number 20 to draft Mark Hutchings of East Perth. Standing at 180cm and weighing 82kg, the 18 year old is a tough inside midfielder with fierce attack on the ball, with handpassing, vision and endurance all strengths of the youngster.

Hutchings impressed at this year’s AFL Draft Camp, where he achieved an outstanding beep test result of 14.12 (top 12 per cent) and in 2009, he captained the successful WA U18 squad whilst averaging 17 disposals and five tackles.

With their second selection, St Kilda obtained 18 year old Daniel Archer from Clarence in the Tasmanian State League. Drafted at pick 36, the 98kg /193cm forward is a versatile tall whose strong hands and contested marking is a distinct strength.

Archer attacks the ball ferociously in the air and works hard to get to as many marking contests as possible. His 2.98sec for 20m at the Victorian screening session was a standout.

At picks number 49 and 60, St Kilda secured their third and fourth selections with former Saints players Jarryd Allen and Leigh Fisher respectively.

St Kilda’s final pick at number 69 saw the Club acquire 21 year old Tommy Walsh from County Kerry, Ireland as an International Rookie. One of Ireland’s most credentialed Gaelic Athletic Association players, the Club has signed Walsh as an international rookie for two years.

Standing at 195cm and weighing 95kgs, Walsh demonstrates a strong brand of bustling Gaelic football, where he has outstanding pace and agility for a player of his size (2.90 for 20 metres and agility of 8.27).

The Saints welcome all their new Rookies to the Club.