2023 AFL State Combine Wrap

By TOM WYMAN

The blistering speed of Sturt utility Loch Rawlinson was the highlight performance of the South Australian AFL State Draft Combine.

In front of watchful recruiting staff, the Sturt prospect topped the time sheets in the 20 Metre Sprint by crossing the line in just 2.894 seconds.

North Adelaide’s Jed Dignan and Sturt’s Luca Slade both impressed onlookers with their overall athleticism, each placing in the top-three in multiple tests.

Dignan took out the Standing Vertical Jump with a height of 71cm and won the Agility Test with a time of 8.259 seconds, while Slade performed well in the 20 Metre Sprint (3.044 seconds),
Agility Test (8.407 seconds) and 2km Time Trial (6 minutes 17 seconds).

Glenelg tall Harry Francis reached a height of 95cm to win the Running Vertical Leap and also produced a strong leap of 69cm in the Standing Vertical Jump.

In a very tight finish, Sturt’s Henry Maerschel took out the 2km Time Trial in six minutes and 15 seconds, narrowly ahead of Double Blues teammate Slade and reigning Central District
Magarey Medallist Harry Grant (6 minutes and 19 seconds).

Bulldogs ball magnet Grant also performed well in the Agility Test, where he placed second overall with a time of 8.296 seconds.

The speed and leap of Norwood’s Logan Evans was also evident as the Redleg placed among the top three in the Running Vertical Jump (88cm) and 20 Metre Sprint (3.063 seconds).