National Recruiting Manager Hamish Ogilvie says Adelaide’s draft plan came to fruition after the Club landed North Ballarat midfielder Matt Crouch and local lad Riley Knight at the national meet.
Regarded as the best stoppage player in this year’s draft, Crouch slipped through to the Crows’ first pick at No.23, while promising half-forward Riley Knight was selected at No.46.
Adelaide’s recruiting team was keen to secure Crouch, the younger brother of Brad, but Ogilvie admitted to being nervous when the Brisbane Lions took the microphone to announce their pick at No.22.
“We worked out the scenarios when we got to the end of the first round. We were worried about Brisbane. We thought they might pick Matt, but they didn’t and it all worked out,” Ogilvie said.
“We feel very thankful, pleased and lucky that Matt was still there.”
Crouch was regarded as a potential top-10 pick after an excellent display for Victoria Country at the Under-18 National Championships, and a standout finish to the TAC Cup season.
His place in the draft order dropped a bit after the Draft Combine, where his test results were only middle of the road. Ogilvie acknowledged the clearance specialist had to work on his endurance and speed, but said his sheer talent was impossible to overlook.
“Matt’s a pure footballer. He’s not the greatest athlete in the world, but guess what he averaged 37 possessions a game in the TAC Cup after the Under-18 National Championships and he’d had limited preparation because he broke his hand early in the year,” he said.
“He’s got a lot of work to do with Nick Poulos and the fitness guys and he’ll have to work hard on it, but his core stuff of being able to play footy is good, so that’ll hold him in good stead.
“He’s a tough, contested ball player – a finals player. He’s an inside mid with really great vision. He takes the ball cleanly and is an elite decision-maker with his handball in traffic. He sees everyone.
“He’s got the footy chip and just knows how to play.”
Although rapt to secure a set of brothers, which is rare in the current draft system, Ogilvie said Matt’s surname had no bearing on him being drafted.
“We obviously knew Matt well because of Brad, but we rated him on talent,” he said.
“It’s a bonus his brother is a really good player for our Club. We rated Matty right up there for his ability and he’s a great lad.
“If his name was Johnny Smith, we still would’ve picked him.”
Ogilvie said it was difficult to split several players, who were in the mix at pick No.23.
“I do feel for the other South Aussie kids. We would’ve liked to have picked them all, but we only had two picks,” he said.
“Matty Crouch and South Australian boys, Trent Dumont and Luke Dunstan … it was really hard to split them. I wish we could’ve picked them all because they’re great talents and quality guys.
“We were pleased to get Riley at No.46. It’s almost like having two South Australians with Riley and Matt.”
Originally from Clare, Knight relocated to Adelaide on a scholarship at St Peter’s College.
The hard-working 18-year-old played a handful of games in the Woodville-West Torrens Under-18 team in the latter part of the season, but missed out on their (second straight) Grand Final win because of a knee injury, which also stopped him from testing at the Draft Combine. He required minor surgery, but has fully recovered.
SA/WA Recruiting Manager Phil Bunn said Knight had rocketed into serious draft calculations after an excellent carnival for the victorious SA Under-18 team at the National Championships.
“He played really well in the Champs and I think that’s what elevated his standing,” Bunn said.
“Riley’s a manic trainer and total professional. He leaves no stone unturned in his preparation, recovery and rehab. He’s already a pro in those areas, which is a bonus.
“He’s also got elite endurance, and runs a 15+ beep test. He’s a good solid kick, has good speed and is a good mark overhead for his size (180cm). I think he’ll play the high half-forward role and in time, he’ll be able to play through the midfield.
“He’ll find a way to make it. He’s got fierce determination. He’ll get there because of his attitude.”
The Club used pick Nos.76 and 86 to confirm the elevation of promising rookies Rory Laird and Kyle Hartigan to the senior list.
Draftees at a glance
Pick No.23 - MattCrouch
Position: Midfielder
Height: 180cm
Weight: 78kg
Born: 21/4/95
Home club: North Ballarat Rebels
Pick No.46 – Riley Knight
Position: Small defender/half-forward
Height: 180cm
Weight: 72kg
Born: 27/3/95
Home club: Woodville-West Torrens
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