AFL Draft selection no. 61

Must say how delighted I was to learn of young North Adelaide ruckman, James Craig’s, drafting last night in the AFL Draft to the Adelaide Crows.

Must also add that I was quite astonished that he was still available at that number.

I think the Adelaide Crows have achieved the “jewel in the crown” with this draft choice.

James won the John Sargent Medal at our Club in season 2008 for the best underage Club Man. In season 2009, after a most successful under 18’s campaign with our Club {when available from his College football commitments}  and our State, he later in the year was promoted to our Reserves team. With some impressive performances at that level, he was further promoted to play the last three matches of the season in our League side.

I thought his debut at League level this year was as an impressive one as I have seen by anyone at Roosterland in the past 20 years , or more.

The young man possesses a Mick Redden type leap {and possibly even higher} and appears to be a natural born competitor. If he has a heart only as half as big as the great Mick Redden, then James Craig will be a wonderful footballer, firstly for our Club while he matures, and then at AFL level when he is ready for this step.

No doubt we Rooster and Crows fans will watch his development in a Red and White Guernsey, in the interim, with great interest.

Onya James,  I am sure you will bring many of us much pleasure as we watch your football pathway unfold.