2005 Mock Draft - Player Bio

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Shane Neaves

Details:
Club: Wallan/Calder
DOB: 11 May 1987 Hgt: 198cm Wgt: 97kg
Position: Ruck/Forward
Natural Foot: Right

Honours:
AFL Draft Camp 2004
Vic Metro U18 2005
Victorian Screening 2005

Statistics:
2004 TAC Cup: 18 games, 8 goals, average 8.0 PPG
2005 TAC Cup: 15 games, 4 goals, average 11.9 PPG, 2 times in best
2005 U18 Championships: 3 games, 0 goals, average 5.7 PPG

Awards:
TAC Cup Morrish Medal: 5 votes
TAC Cup Coaches Award: 5 votes

Background:
Was one of a handful of players granted exemption for last year’s draft, and despite attending the Draft Camp he was overlooked by the AFL clubs. Rejoined the Cannons for 2005, but early in their Round 4 match against the Falcons he injured his left collarbone in a collision that made the U18 Championships an unlikely goal. However a quicker than expected recovery saw him join the Vic Metro squad on the eve of the carnival where he shared ruck duties with Rob Warnock.

Strengths:
- Strong: Good at body on body ruckwork
- Loves to belt forward ball in the ruck
- Strong spoiler if drops back
- Capable mark

Weaknesses:
- Very slow, even for a big guy
- Was passed last year – went to camp then but only screening this year
- Kicking is awkward
- Doesn’t have a dominance on a match at TAC level (only twice in best this year) – will he have it at AFL?

Footydraft.com comment:
The height factor alone should see Neaves join an AFL list, he has the height and strength now he just needs to be taught how to use it better and be more imposing on a match. Wouldn't be a surprise if he was taken around the 25 mark by a club keen for a tall, solid ruck option, but some ordinary efforts late in the season plus concerns on his pace should see him further down the order.

2004 Drafts | 2005 National Draft | Discuss the AFL Draft at BigFooty.com