By Brad Kingsbury
GIPPSLAND Power midfielder Dale Thomas was tipped to become a star by his TAC Cup coach and former AFL goal-sneak Paul Hudson after Saturday’s National Draft.
Thomas was the toast of Drouin after his name was read out at pick number-two, one ahead of his Power teammate and fellow playmaker Xavier Ellis, from Lakes Entrance, who went to Hawthorn at number-three.
“Dale’s got that X-factor and Mick (Malthouse) recognised that I think,” Hudson said.
“I wasn’t really surprised to see them go so early, but then again I’m biased,” the 2005 premiership coach chuckled.
Five Power players were selected out of 63 with the mobile Scott Pendlebury, from Sale, joining Thomas and Ellis as a top-five pick after also being nominated by the Magpies.
Wonthaggi tall Trent West was picked up by Geelong at number 31, while Jay Neagle was taken by Essendon under the father-son rule at pick 39.
Gippsland Power’s five selections were a record for the club, but despite having a major hand in their development in 2005, Hudson refused to take credit and said that the success was due to a combination of factors.
“We’re here to provide a pathway for these young men to reach the top and while I’m naturally proud of the results, it’s down to them,” he said.
“Also I think it is a great credit to their local clubs. They too often get overlooked sometimes, but junior coaches and the people around the local clubs that have developed these kids are as much to thank as anyone.”
Hudson and football manager Peter Francis worked hard to develop a ‘club’ attitude among the TAC Cup premiers this year and encouraged players’ friends and relatives to be part of the effort with outstanding results.
Hudson has said he would like to pursue a coaching role at the highest level, but is in no hurry and will coach the Gippsland TAC Cup side again in 2006.
On the players drafted, Hudson said that all five were outstanding prospects and it would not surprise him to see three or four teammates be added to AFL rookie lists later in the year.
Pendlebury decided to give up a chance to play elite basketball to pursue AFL football and was rewarded while West had only one season in the TAC Cup system and made the grade after making tremendous progress.
Three Dandenong Stingrays players also started their AFL careers on Saturday led by dynamic midfielder Nathan Jones who was picked up by Melbourne at number 12.
Berwick running player Travis Tuck, son of AFL legend Michael Tuck, was taken by Hawthorn under the father-son rule and under-17 player Ryan Cook was another to join the black-and-white army at number 23.
A half-forward and sometime midfielder, Cook won the Stingrays most improved player award for 2005.
