The Western Crows have retained, Sam Burdett, William Warbrick and Fraser Stevens to add to their retained players for the 2017 AFL New Zealand Premiership.
Sam Burdett
Key defender Sam Burdett has played in two regions within New Zealand representing Waitakere Magpies within the Auckland competition before moving to Christchurch and competing in the Canterbury AFL.
The Cantabrian was integral for the Crows in this year’s Premiership and showed through consistent performances why he is one of the best defenders in the country.
New head coach Chris Mundell has a knowledge of Burdett’s abilities and will utilise him as a key defender for the season ahead.
William Warbrick
The Whakatane born teenager produced a standout season for the Western Crows in the 2016 Premiership.
Still only 18 years of age, the marking forward/midfielder showed maturity in his game during the inaugural season. His attributes include a strong vertical leap, elusiveness and solid marking ability.
Warbrick was awarded the Rising Star for Round 1 and was in consistent form all throughout the season.
William capped off 2016 with a selection for the U18 NZ Hawks tour to Melbourne along with debuting for the NZ Hawks senior side in April.
Fraser Stevens
Aucklander Fraser Stevens will once again pull on the Western Crows guernsey in 2017 after being retained by the Premiership side.
The defender was a key figure in the backline for the Crows and teamed nicely with Captain Jared Court and fellow retainee Sam Burdett. On paper he helps to provide a formidable fortress for the reigning premiers.
Currently with the North Shore Tigers in the Auckland competition, Fraser is hoping to finish the season strongly with his local side and then move his focus onto retaining the 2017 Premiership.
