The Western Crows have selected Zeon McNabb as their number 1 AFL New Zealand draft selection to play in the 2016 AFL New Zealand Premiership.
Rosehill College student Zeon McNabb is a star on the rise. The mobile midfielder is New Zealand’s version of Nat Fyfe and at only 17 years old McNabb is a leader on the field for the Manurewa Raiders in the Auckland AFL competition. He has represented the NZ Hawks U16 side on multiple campaigns and backs himself to kick a goal or two in each game he plays.
“I’m delighted with being able to pick Zeon as my first round draft pick. He looks like a natural player on the field who shows leadership at such a such a young age.” Rob Malone, Western Crows Head Coach
On finalisation of the first list of players available to compete in the 2016 AFL New Zealand premiership, athletes had their names entered into the AFL New Zealand National Draft thus enabling coaching staff from the four competing teams (Northern Suns, Western Crows, Central Giants and Southern Saints) to select their 2016 AFL New Zealand Premiership playing rosters.
The AFL New Zealand National Draft sees all players placed into one of seven list categories. Highlighting the logistics of the competition and scheduling at North Harbour Stadium, the following list categories are utilised.
Category 1 Auckland Senior Players based in the Auckland region born 1997 or older
Category 2 Regional Senior Players based in Canterbury, Wellington and Dunedin born 1997 or older (Flights required)
Category 3 Satellite Senior Players based in satellite venues such as Northland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato born 1997 or older
Category 4 Auckland Academy Players based in the Auckland region born 1998 or younger
Category 5 Regional Academy Players based in Canterbury, Wellington and Dunedin born 1998 or younger (Flights required)
Category 6 Satellite Academy Players based in satellite venues such as Northland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato born 1998 or younger
Category 7 Wild Card Entry These players are either based overseas or not involved in the initial playing list and draft selection but are added through the following processes;
Ongoing talent identification carried out through local, regional and national competitions
Those players currently playing in regional leagues and yet to be listed
Academy players for development purposes
Overseas players dependent on availability
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