Gold Coast’s most recent crop of draftees is littered with prodigious talent, and some of that talent has already flourished in their first 12 months. All three players taken in last year’s national draft – Peter Wright, Jarrod Garlett and Touk Miller – experienced varying levels of senior football in 2015. And then there is Adam Saad, but we’ll get to him shortly.
As a key position player, Wright was limited to just three senior games this year as he was given time to develop in the NEAFL. The top-ten draftee kicked 36 goals in 15 games in the reserves, tearing a handful of games apart to suggest he isn’t far away from earning a regular game at AFL level.
Garlett endured a rollercoaster debut season, playing the opening five games before suffering a serious ankle injury, which required a reconstruction and an extended spell on the sidelines. Despite the West Australian’s season appearing over, Garlett fought back late in the year to play the final four games in Rodney Eade’s side to generate some momentum into 2016.
Isaac Heeney and Angus Brayshaw may have polled more votes in the AFL Players Association best first year player award, but inside Metricon Stadium, many regarded Miller’s maiden season as the finest in the competition.
The ultra-professional teenager played every game to exceed all expectations and emerged as a bargain recruit at pick No. 29. His consistency was reflected in the best and fairest count, with Miller finishing fourth in the Club Champion to round out a stunning first year at the highest level.
Saad was one of the best football stories in 2015. After being overlooked in a handful of drafts, the rebounding defender burst onto the scene this year, captivating the entire landscape with his breathtaking play and polished foot skills.
Injury put the clamps on an eye-catching debut season, but not before he managed 16 senior appearances to indicate he has an exciting future ahead of him at the SUNS – especially amid a back six that contains a strong blend of boldness, poise and polish.
Keegan Brooksby was another mature-aged rookie to earn senior exposure in his first season in the AFL. The SANFL product played three senior games, before suffering a blood clot in his arm late in the season, which hospitalised him and brought his year to a premature close.
2014 National Draft:
8. Peter Wright
15. Jarrod Garlett
29. Touk Miller
2015 Rookie Draft:
7. Josh Glenn
25. Adam Saad
42. Keegan Brooksby
59. Tyrone Downie
67. Greg Broughton
71. Andrew Raines
