The Central Giants have selected renowned goal kicker James McKenzie at the 2017 AFL New Zealand National Draft. McKenzie will return to the 2018 AFL New Zealand Premiership after missing out on the 2017 season due to injury.
Along with McKenzie, the Giants have also drafted exciting Academy Graduate Declan Crann, Nicholas Rhodes from Canterbury and New Zealand Captain Andrew Howison.
Category 1: Declan Crann
Position: Forward
AFL New Zealand Academy Graduate Declan Crann is a welcome addition to the Central Giants for the 2018 season.
Declan participated as a Development Player in the 2017 AFL New Zealand Premiership. Suffering an early season set back with a hand injury, on his return Crann received the Rising Star award following a exceptional performance playing for his new side.
The 17 year old is a mobile player that likes to attack the ball and that is one of the attributes that make him exciting to watch.
Now in his third year of AFL, Declan’s game understanding, athletic ability, distribution skills and maturity have helped position him in the elite of New Zealand’s young and promising talents.
Showing his athletic prowess and promise, Crann also topped the list at this year’s National Combine winning the Agility Test with a time of 7.89 seconds.
Category 2: James McKenzie
Position: Forward
Aucklander James McKenzie was one of the in form players for the Northern Suns during the early rounds of the 2016 AFL New Zealand Premiership until a shoulder injury ruled him out for the next 12 months.
The 22 year old is a fast and agile small forward who knows how to kick a goal or two and has represented New Zealand in the past.
James is the brother of new Central Giants Captain Samuel McKenzie and will look to combine with his brother in the Giants forward line.
Category 3: Andrew Howsion
Position: Midfield
New Zealand Captain Andrew Howison will make his long awaited debut for the Central Giants in the 2018 AFL New Zealand Premiership.
Howison began his AFL with the Ashburton Eagles in the Canterbury Australian Football League and is a true leader of the field.
The 27 year old led the New Zealand to the AFL International Cup Grand Final in August this year and is a tough midfielder who throws everything into every contest.
Andrew keeps his advice to other players simple, work hard on fitness and focus on doing the basics well.
Category 4: Nicholas Rhodes
Position: Defence
2017 Canterbury AFL Rookie of the Year Nicholas Rhodes will make his debut in the 2018 AFL New Zealand Premiership for the Central Giants.
Rhodes is a strong marking defender with good athletic ability who be able to match it with the best in the competition.
The 25 year old will feature in the Canterbury backline at the upcoming NPC.
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