Royals Draft Watch

AFL DRAFT WATCH EAST PERTH

Since 1981, the East Perth Football Club has produced over 50 players who have been drafted into the VFL/AFL.

In 2019, the Royals have three players who have been nominated for the NAB AFL Draft.

Below are their profiles.

AJANG AJANG

Originally from the Ellenbrook Junior Football Club, Ajang Ajang is a mature aged ruck prospect who has awesome athleticism, neat skills and a solid understanding of the game. The former West Coast Academy member played 18 games for the Royals’ League team in 2019 and averaged 12 possessions, 26 hit-outs (#7 across the competition), 3 tackles, 3 marks and kicked 6 goals. His notable performances came against West Coast (14 possessions, 17 hit-outs and a goal), Swan Districts (21 possessions, 24 hit-outs and a goal), West Perth (21 possessions and 40 hit-outs), East Fremantle (16 possessions, 39 hit-outs and a goal) and Subiaco (14 possessions, 29 hit-outs and a goal).

RHAI-ARN COX

The Mount Hawthorn Junior first made a name for himself at the 2017 AFL U16s Championships when he kicked a goal after the siren against Vic Country to secure Championship glory for the Sandgropers. In six games for the Royals’ Colts team, Cox kicked 8 goals and averaged 10 possessions, 4 marks, 3 inside 50s, and 2 tackles with strong outings against Claremont (9 possessions, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 3 inside 50s and 2 goals), and Perth (16 possessions, 9 marks, 5 inside 50s, and 2 goals). He also played three games for the Reserves team, where he averaged 11 possessions, 2 marks and 2 tackles with his best performance coming against South Fremantle (13 possessions and 3 goals). As a small forward, Cox is comparable to West Coast’s Liam Ryan. Both are strong overhead marks for their size, quick, agile, have damaging skills and are smart around goal.

HARLEY SPARKS

Originally from the Deanmill Football Club, Sparks is a hard-working medium-sized midfielder. He finished sixth in the Hec Strempel Medal, and 10th in the Jack Clarke Medal after he averaged 25 possessions, 4 marks, and 4 tackles across 13 games. His best games came against Claremont (28 possessions and a goal), South Fremantle (47 possessions, 5 tackles and a goal), Swan Districts (28 possessions, 3 marks and 3 tackles ) and West Perth (28 possessions and 6 tackles). He also played four games in the Reserves where he averaged 16 possessions, 5 marks and 3 tackles. As a midfielder, Sparks is comparable to Essendon’s Darcy Parish. Both hunt the footy with vigour but also have neat skills and are smart decision-makers with ball in hand.

NOTABLE PLAYERS TO BE DRAFTED FROM EAST PERTH