The 2017 AFL Season is well underway with Round 2 quickly approaching. 

Another AFL draft period passed, and the team at Rookie Me are ecstatic with the outcome of draft selection in the industry. As the Official Talent ID Partner of the AFL - we celebrated our Company's involvement with some of the newest AFL recruits.

Draft excitement hit the nation on the 25 November, 2016, but now that the dust has well and truly settled, we want to report our news... 

As known to many AFL enthusiasts, there are official AFL Draft Combines held for nominated athletes (capped at around 180 athlete participants). However, our sporting nation produces many more talented footballers; whom, may not have had the opportunity to showcase their ability at either of the State or National Draft Combines, due their own circumstances.

Therefore, Rookie Me provides a "draft chance" - an opportunity for eligible athletes of drafting age, to participate at the annual Rookie Me Combine.

This unique opportunity was presented to Western Bulldog's Lin Jong; and became an aspect of his pathway to play AFL. Please see the full interview, as presented by Ben 'Dicko' Dixon, click on the link provided. 

http://youtu.be/1s6CUIlLnOg

Athletes who participate in our combine, have the opportunity to demonstrate their athletic fitness ability, in a controlled and non-biased environment. On behalf of each individual participant, Rookie Me submits a detailed player profile to every AFL Club. Another highlight for athletes trying to make their mark in the industry, is that the talent and recruiting managers from AFL Clubs are also present at the Rookie Me Combine event, witnessing the athletes perform first-hand.

So what was the final result for Rookie Me in 2016? And who do we want you to keep an eye out for, as the 2017 AFL Season unfolds:

FERGUS GREENE

Bendigo Pioneers, Fergus Greene had the opportunity to attend the 2016 Rookie Me Combine at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) in October last year. Greene definitely drew the attention of the Western Bulldogs, and he was selected as Pick No.70

AFL's National Talent Manager, Kevin “Shifter” Sheehan, explained during selection night, that Greene was, “not in the 180 we tested, and through Rookie Me they have another testing day” he was selected.

Fergus Greene was definitely identified as an elite athlete from the moment he began testing at the 2016 Rookie Me Combine. 

Fergus Greene at 2016 Rookie Me Combine. Source: RM Media

Fergus Greene, RM Ability on the Rookie Me online system. Source: RM Media

DECLAN KEILTY

Declan Keilty was Rookie selection #41 during the draft period; and was a standout participant in the 2016 Rookie Me Combine. 

Melbourne Football Club's National Recruiting Manager, Jason Taylor said, “Our third selection who also came out of Casey was Declan Keilty. He also gives us some coverage in key stocks – key defence and also he’s been able to show an ability to play forward and ruck as well. That rounds out a bit of depth in all of those areas of the ground, which was much needed, so we’re pretty pleased with the result.”

 

Declan Keilty at the 2016 Rookie Me Combine: Drafted by Melbourne Football Club. Source: RM Media

ROOKIE ME ONLINE SITE

Not only does Rookie Me offer an annual combine, which may increase an athlete's chance to be drafted, but it also hosts an online system, which represents the individual athlete. This dynamic online tool provides Australian Rules footballers amazing perks, not only does it allow potential talent to have the chance to Be Recognised, it also creates an understanding of the fitness levels and athleticism required, to play at an elite level. Athletes are able to compare themselves to fellow Aussie Rules athletes, current AFL footballers and RM Ambassadors nationwide (who are featured on the system), in an equal-level playing field.

If you are a budding footballer and what the edge on your competition; and to stay on the Rookie Me radar visit www.rookieme.com and find out how!

 

RM ACADEMY

Another area of the Rookie Me company is the RM Academy: www.rookiemeacademy.com

The RM Academy is providing the ultimate pathway in athlete growth and development for Australian rules athletes (male and female) nationwide. The RM Academy operates a set of age-specific programs: Junior, Pro and Elite.

 

PATRICK LIPINSKI

The Rookie Me team are extremely proud of Patrick Lipinski, and want to recognise former RM Academy athlete and Northern Knights footballer, selected as pick #28 in the AFL's Draft selection by the Western Bulldogs.

Patrick Lipinski. Source: RM Media.

"The 18-year-old Eltham product is a former basketballer whose number one asset is his clean hands but is also composed under pressure and can run all day." - as cited via .

Patrick Lipinski is an absolute champion both on-and-off the football field! When participating in the 2016 National Draft selection at Etihad Stadium, he took time-out of his schedule, to address current RM Academy athletes at our September/October camp; and share his personal journey.

The team at Rookie Me encourage all young athletes interested in playing elite-level football to utilise our services.

The Rookie Me team thank all our young athletes who have trusted and believed in our services - and we look forward to kicking goals in 2017!