Geelong young guns win AFL Draft Combine invites

AFL draft hopefuls Angus Hastie and Thomas Anastasopoulos will push their claims for selection to the big leagues at an annual testing combine.

The Geelong Falcons young guns will travel to Melbourne in October with dozens of Australia’s top junior players to show their skills and traits to AFL recruiters at the 2023 AFL Draft Combine.

Both players were part of the Vic Country side that competed in the Under 18 National Championships in June and July.

Geelong West Giants young gun Hastie is one of 61 players invited to the national combine from October 6-8.

Newtown & Chilwell rising star Anastasopoulos is among the first 20 named for the state combine, which will join in physical testing on October 8.

Physical testing for football skills and athletic traits will occur at Margaret Court Arena, while club recruiters will interview prospective players at the MCG.

AFL clubs nominate their preferred players to see at the testing combine, which form the basis of invites.

AFL Talent Ambassador and long-time draft guru Kevin Sheehan said the event was a great opportunity for the talented youngsters.

“The players invited to the 2023 AFL Draft Combine are considered by AFL club recruiters to be among the top prospects in this year’s draft pool,” Sheehan said.

“The combine will provide these young stars another opportunity to display their physical attributes during athletic testing. It also gives AFL clubs the opportunity to gain a better insight into each player during interviews.

“In many ways the combine is the final piece of the puzzle ahead of the upcoming AFL Draft.”