One of this season’s brightest draft prospects has made his desires clear ahead of next week’s big nights.
Plus West Coast is set to keep addressing its need for speed.
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SOUTH AUSTRALIAN GUN ‘MADE FOR MELBOURNE’
South Australian young gun Mattaes Phillipou has declared he’s “made for Melbourne”, with both Essendon and Hawthorn looming large as destinations for the 17-year-old.
Phillipou has bolted into top-five calculations after an impressive 2022 campaign, which has been underscored by his self-expressed confidence in his ability.
His desire to be at the centre of the AFL spotlight is one he communicated this week.
“I’m really excited and I’ve said to some of the clubs before ‘I’m made for Melbourne if it is Melbourne’,” he told The Advertiser.
“I’ve always wanted to be in the spotlight, play in front of big crowds, be in all the big games, and Melbourne teams get that.
“It’d be awesome playing at the ‘G every two weeks or Etihad.”
After a meeting with Hawthorn and coach Sam Mitchell, Essendon had Phillipou reschedule his flight back to South Australia in order for him to meet with Brad Scott at the club.
“It’d be awesome if I was to be drafted by Essendon,” he said.
“Brad was excellent, I really enjoyed his philosophy and I think Essendon will do great things whether I end up there or not.”
Essendon currently holds pick No.4 (expected to be pushed out to No.5 once a bid for Will Ashcroft is matched by Brisbane), while Hawthorn holds pick No.6.
Jeremy Cameron’s advice for Cadman | 01:47
EAGLES LOOK TO BOLSTER NEED FOR SPEED
West Coast is reportedly considering selecting Victorian speedster Coby Burgiel with one of its second-round picks in next week’s draft.
The West Australian reports Burgiel has piqued the interest of the Eagles after an impressive season at NAB League level, in which he booted 12.11 and averaged 21.6 disposals and 4.3 inside 50s from nine games.
He also played well for Vic Country, averaging 17 disposals per outing at the national championships.
Burgiel is the son of former Hawthorn-listed player and US college punter Hayden Burgiel.
If selected, Burgiel would continue an off-season in which the Eagles have desperately looked to add speed to their ageing squad.
Jayden Hunt arrived at the Eagles this off-season via unrestricted free agency, with the speedy halfback option coming across from Melbourne.
West Coast is also hoping to snare local talent Reuben Ginbey in the draft with its top-10 pick, with Ginbey offering an impressive athletic profile to add to the side as it undergoes a period of regeneration.
