The Western Crows have announced that they will add Auckland based players, Ty Smith, Joey Alesich-Tamariki and Shane Leat to “their retained players list” for the 2017 AFL New Zealand Premiership.
Ty Smith
New Western Crows Head Coach Chris Mundell has retained the services of New Zealand and North Shore Tigers Ruckman, Ty Smith.
Nominated as the team’s Best and Fairest in 2016, Smith dominated the ruck all throughout the inaugural season where he was also utilised as a marking forward up front from time to time.
Smith is a disciplined and smart player who can read the game exceptionally well and will be a valuable asset to Chris Mundell’s side in 2017. With Wellington Ruckman Peter Halstead joining the National Draft, Smith could find himself with either a worthy teammate or challenging opponent.
Joey Alesich-Tamariki
Rising Star Joseph Alesich-Tamariki will remain at the Western Crows in 2017.
The Rosmini College student was outstanding up front for the Crows in the 2016 competition with 19 goals for the season and runner up in the Golden Boot award.
Alesich-Tamariki found a home in the forward line where his strong marking ability, accuracy at goal and great speed made it hard for defenders to negate his value. His development has come through hard work and commitment to AFL and at only 17 years old, he will continue to get stronger and will push hard to be a regular in the NZ Senior national side in years to come.
Shane Leat
Waitakere Magpies Captain Shane Leat was first unearthed as an unknown 16 year old school boy from Kelston Boys High in 2009. Over the years, Shane has developed into a skilful midfielder who accuracy with foot and hand is amongst the best in New Zealand.
Shane has represented the New Zealand Hawks at U18 and Senior level and will be a candidate for the squad travelling to Melbourne in August next year for the International Cup.
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