Category 2 of the AFL New Zealand National Draft will include senior players from regional leagues around the country born 1997 or older.
With local AFL leagues in Wellington, Canterbury and Dunedin, Category 2 in the National Draft will provide a solid base of players for the AFL New Zealand Premiership.
Heta Scarf Matthews has represented the New Zealand Hawks at both U16 and U18 level. The deceptively tall midfielder from Otago is lightning around the field and with a background in soccer, Scarf Matthews knows how to position himself in the right area to collect the footy.
Dual NZ International Cam Bailey has represented his country in both AFL and Lawn Bowls. The Canterbury based player is also a talented Fullback in Rugby where he represented the region in the recent U19 National competition where they were crowned champions. On the footy field, Bailey is a noted goal scorer, so be sure to see him kicking his way into the highlight reel.
Nathan Lenihan has been described as ‘Freakish’ on the footy field. The Wellington based player is full of talent and will most likely play in the forward line but if he played at half back he would still be expected to kick goals. Lenihan is a player on the rise, so be sure to keep an eye out to see which team secures him in the draft.
Big Willem Vander Wilt can play any position on the AFL field but you will most likely find him at Centre half forward. The 195cm strong marking Vander Wilt will be able to hold off even the strongest players on the field and will be an asset to one of the four teams in the 2016 AFL New Zealand Premiership. Currently based in Wellington, Vander Wilt will commence his involvement initially from his home region before he heads down to Otago University where he will link up with the Otago based Premiership player group.
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