Star

Cannons elite shoot into AFL

By Mark Murray

27th November 2007 11:06:09 AM

CALDER Cannons’ rich draft history was strengthened on Saturday when a total of seven players were added to AFL clubs at the National Draft.

The Cannons have built a strong reputation for consistently producing boys ready to step into elite competition.

Aaron Kite, James Polkinghorne, Darcy Daniher, Adam Maric, Mitchell Farmer and Dean Putt will get their chance to cut their teeth with the best in the AFL after hearing their names called out on the weekend.

The Cannons were again a power in 2007 and won the TAC premiership under coach David Flood.

The first player taken this season at the Cannons was young tall Darcy Daniher. The son of former Essendon and Sydney defender, Anthony, was picked up by the Bombers under the father-son rule last month.

The first player to be selected on Saturday was exciting small forward Addam Maric at number 21 by Melbourne.

Maric can also be used in the middle of the ground and was an All Australian this year at the AFL Under 18 National Championships.

Polkinghorne will make his new home Queensland with Brisbane selecting the gifted midfielder with its third pick (number 41).

The 18-year-old is a typical in and under style player with the ability to rack up possessions.

Calder captain Mitchell Farmer is off to Adelaide with Port Adelaide snapping him up at number 49. Farmer represented Victoria Metro this year and has pace to burn.

Towering ruckman Dean Putt was drafted by Richmond at pick 51. Putt stands an imposing 202.5cms and will be a work in progress at Tigerland.

The smoky of the Calder pack came when Adelaide selected versatile tall Aaron Kite with its second last pick (number 71).

Kite, still 17, is athletically gifted and could be used at either end of the ground for the Crows when he develops.