DRAFT WRAP: The three greatest moving west
At the AFL National Draft, list boss David Walls and his recruiting team seized the opportunity to add three teenagers to the Freo family based on their speed, size, and goalkicking acumen.
Cooper Simpson, the co-captain of the Dandenong Stingrays, was acquired by Fremantle through a trade that saw them advance to Richmond’s selection 35 going into the second round of the draft with picks 38, 41, 67, and 85.
The adaptable midfield player was expected to be selected in the top 20.
We’re content. Cooper fits the bill because we wanted to focus on talent in the front half, according to Head of Player Personnel David Walls.
“He’s a very good forward who kicks with both feet; his feet are really quick.” He’s an exciting player who can move through the midfield.
“It’s great to have him at the Club. He just had a couple of injury interruptions but is coming off a really strong season as a Dandenong Stingrays best and fairest.”
Select 41 Tall defender Ollie Murphy of the Sandringham Dragons was also considered a steal after winning MVP honors for Victoria Metro at the U18 National Championships.
In most cases, especially when a 200-cm key position player is involved, you advance to the first round. Walls stated that he would have placed much higher if the Draft had taken place immediately following the Championships.
“He reminds me of the draft-year Alex Pearce had.” When we look at him, he almost has the exact same build, stature, and running profile as an eighteen-year-old Alex.
Jack Delean, a teenage player from South Adelaide, finished the game with pick 60.
Walls remarked, “He’s a real goal kicker—he kicked 54 goals this year.”
“He’s very erratic and can take a really good overhead mark.” He scores goals in a variety of ways, so we’re thrilled to have him here.
Fremantle added another player with a selection in Wednesday’s Rookie Draft, but he did not use the Club’s final pick in the National Draft.
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After the Club traded up the draft order to secure him, Cooper Simpson is moving west to join Fremantle tonight, and he is adjusting to the emotion of realising his AFL dream.
Following a live pick trade with Richmond, wherein Freo advanced to pick 35 in order to draft the adaptable player, Simpson was chosen by Fremantle.
Simpson is currently experiencing the emotion with his family and friends after having a slight suspicion that he might slide to Freo.
“It’s the best day of my life, hands down, without a doubt,” Simpson said to 6PR.
“I couldn’t stop grinning when my name was called out. I was unsure whether to cry or not, but I am incredibly thankful and thrilled.
“I am ecstatic…”I am (experience) all things.
“I had a slight feeling that I could get there if I slid to Fremantle’s pick, but anything could happen tonight.
“I am eager to visit that place, get to know everyone, and become a member of the Fremantle community.”
According to David Walls, Head of Player Personnel at Freo, Simpson’s versatility was evident as he could play as an inside mid, wing, or half-forward flank.
Cooper fits the bill because we wanted to focus on talent in the front half, according to Walls.
“To ensure that we could acquire him in a trade with Richmond, we went up for him and invested a future 3 (third round pick).
“He’s a captivating athlete.” Capable of moving through the midfield, but also a superb dual-footed kicker at forward.
His feet move extremely quickly, and he exits the stoppage with great skill. We are very excited to win him over because of his incredible creativity.
Simpson stated that it would be difficult to penetrate l Dandenong Stingray current midfield depth, but he is keen to make as much of an impression as possible.
Simpson remarked, “That midfield over at Fremantle is bloody good.”
“I’m going to put in my best effort once I get to the club to show the coach that I deserve a spot on the team, wherever that spot may be.
“I’m just eager to experience everything.
The 181-cm mid/forward, a former Stingray, will join Hayden Young at Fremantle. He is a member of the Dandenong Stingrays.
“The kids at Dandenong are raised to be excellent football players and better people—it’s an incredible program,” Simpson remarked.
“I’ll be happy to accompany Hayden Young there.” The fact that there is an additional Dandenong Stingray participating in AFL football is incredible, and I am eager to visit, greet him, and get to know everyone.
