NORTH Ballarat Rebels coach David Loader says AFL state combine invitee Tom Templeton is a vastly improved footballer from this time 12 months ago.
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Templeton, 19, was among 123 draft hopefuls announced for state-based fitness screenings on Monday as clubs narrow their search for their next batch of recruits.
The camp is at Docklands on October 11.
Templeton was overlooked in the 2014 draft period after attending the state combine.
But North Ballarat Rebels gave the Portland export a reprieve, listing him as one of their overage players this season.
The powerful midfielder has helped the ladder-leading Rebels push for a double chance come finals.
At least two AFL clubs must nominate a player for him to be invited to the state combine.
Loader said Templeton’s form – he’s booted 15 goals from the midfield – warranted selection.
“We are rapt there is someone out there in AFL land who thinks he might be good enough,” he said.
Loader said the 183-centimetre left-footer had added another dimension to his game this season.
“Is Tom a vastly different player this year to last year? Yes, he is,” he said.
“He’s gotten stronger which has assisted the role he can play at TAC Cup level.
“He’s gone from an outside mid to perhaps more of an inside mid.
“It’s been wonderful to see him develop and expand his craft, so we are super excited about that.”
Templeton said he was thrilled to be invited to the draft camp and wanted to learn from his past experience.
Building on on his beep test results is a priority.
“I want to try and improve in every test,” he said.
“If you show improvement it holds you in good stead with recruiters.
“For me the focus is on the endurance side.
“I tested very well in other aspects but my endurance let me down.
“Having good pace and endurance can put you in a good position.”
Templeton has played 13 games for the Rebels this season, displaying leadership as one of their more experienced players.
He made his VFL debut for North Ballarat Roosters in July which enabled him to test himself against stronger bodies.
“My year overall has been pretty solid, a little better than last year,” he said.
“With the team going as well as it is, that helps a little bit."
Templeton, whose family lives in Wangoom, said the Rebels were well-placed to make a premiership assault.
He rates the club’s depth as one of its strengths.
“We have had almost every player on the list play and perform,” Templeton said.
“Everyone knows their role.”
Templeton was one of five Rebels invited to the state combine.
Yestin Eades (Swan Districts), Matthew Johnston (North Ballarat City), Ben Simpson (East Ballarat) and Jacob Wheelahan (Bacchus Marsh) were also selected.
Rebels trio Darcy Tucker (Horsham Saints), Jacob Hopper (Leeton) and Daniel Rioli (St Mary’s) will test at the draft combine – a four-day camp for the nation’s most promising draft hopefuls.
Tucker and Hopper are touted as first-round picks.