National recruiting manager Brad Lloyd talks about the club's three selections in the 2010 NAB AFL Pre-Season and Rookie Drafts
Draft summary
"We're really happy. Adam McPhee was a player that we targeted and we're over the moon that he was able to get through. He'll add experience to the group and he's just so professional and diligent in everything he does.
"We wanted to bring in a midfielder, so that's where Michael Barlow came into it. He's been pretty dominant in the VFL the last few years and won Werribee's best and fairest this year.
"We also had a real list management need for a key defender. Young Alex Silvagni has been training with us and he really impressed the coaches. He's got a lot of development in his body according to our sports science staff.
"We always thought if we could come out with those three players we'd be really happy, so it's worked out well."
Player comments
Selection No.3 (pre-season draft): Adam McPhee
DOB: 6/10/82, Height: 190cm, Weight: 82kg
Recruited from: Essendon
"He's had a really good career to date and he's one of the elite professionals in the AFL with the way he prepares and plans for his footy - he's just so diligent in everything that he does. With such a young group you can't have enough of those types at your footy club. He's got some good years ahead of him to contribute."
Selection No.8 (rookie draft): Michael Barlow
DOB: 18/12/87, Height: 189cm, Weight: 92kg
Recruited from: Werribee
"He's a tall midfielder with very strong endurance - he does a 14-plus beep test. He also tested really well for speed. He's a running midfielder, so he'll suit our style of football and he also uses the ball really well. He'll play a midfield role and be able to pinch-hit forward at times. Two years in a row he's made the VFL team of the year, so he just needed an opportunity. He was as deserving as anyone in the rookie draft."
Selection No.24: Alex Silvagni
DOB: 29/9/87, Height: 192cm, Weight: 92kg
Recruited from: Casey Scorpions
"He's a key defender and a big strong boy, but he's also very athletic. He's been performing really well at our training and impressing with his versatility. He'll play as a defender, but he's also capable up forward as a leading target. We're hopeful that he can play as a key defender, but also offer some rebound once he develops in the system. He's a really competitive person and he's shown that in the last few weeks at the club. He shot up late and gained some height and size."
