Elite coach eyes Rays

By Marc McGowan
AIS-AFL Academy high performance coach Jason McCartney is looking forward to getting his hands on three Dandenong Stingrays in his elite program next year.
This year’s likely number-one draft pick Tom Scully graduated from the program two years ago, while fellow Stingrays Luke Parker, Adam Treloar and Dylan Shiel will be involved in 2010.
McCartney was at Etihad Stadium to watch Parker and Treloar in Friday night’s TAC Cup under-18 decider.
Treloar backed up a day later to help Vic Country defeat South Australia by 50 points in the AFL under-16 championships grand final at Visy Park.
The 16-year-old was the joint recipient of the Kevin Sheehan Medal for the best Division One player with West Australian Tom Mitchell.
Scully earned the same honour at the 2007 instalment.
McCartney was impressed with both Parker and Treloar and raved about the latter’s performances throughout the AFL under-16 championships.
“(Treloar) was so dominant and showed real class at the under-16 championships,” the former North Melbourne forward said on Friday night.
“I don’t know him that well, but I watched him in the under-16s and predominantly ‘Bucks’ (coach Nathan Buckley) used him off half-back.
“He just uses the ball so well and obviously he came into the Stingrays’ side after the 16s and he’s virtually been, most weeks, in the best players or kicking goals.
“It’s been a great effort and he has a bright future.”
McCartney also praised Dandenong captain Ryan Bastinac’s and strong-marking forward Myles Pitt’s grand final displays.
“Recruiters see the boys throughout the year and see them on many occasions,” he said.
“But I still think the TAC Cup grand final holds some credence … with the quality of game out there today and the quality of players out there, a good performance on the big stage can’t hurt (their draft stocks) at all.”