The Gold Coast SUNS have snared a once-in-a-decade player in the form of forward/ruckman Peter Wright, according to List & Strategy Manager Scott Clayton.
With the national draft done and dusted for another year, Clayton was more than pleased with how the night played out at the selection table, with the club also snaring classy South Fremantle midfielder Jarrod Garlett with the 15th pick of the draft, and Vic Metro captain Touk Miller with selection No. 29.
While the GC SUNS had to wait until the eighth pick of the night before calling out Wright’s name, Clayton made it crystal clear his belief the club claimed a very special player.
“Clearly with our first pick, Peter Wright, a big power forward who can go into the ruck. We think he’s a once-in-an-eight- or ten-year player,” Clayton said.
“We just couldn’t go past him. We’re backing ourselves to be a really good team and hence from that, our draft position will be weakened (in the future) in regards of selection number. We just couldn’t not go with him.”
Clayton was also pleased to see Garlett and Miller still on the table when it came to the SUNS’ other two picks.
“All in all, went to plan. We were pretty planned and methodical and we’re very excited.
“All three I know from character point of view; they’ll all be pushing and think that they’ll play next year.
“We’ll be in no rush, but they’ll put pressure on the rest of the group. So a very healthy night for us.”
Western Australian smooth mover Garlett fits the club’s philosophy for accumulating elite talent at Metricon Stadium, with Clayton praising his ability to play as both an inside and outside midfielder.
“Garlett is a beautiful speed/endurance combination which gives him a chance to be a real elite inside- outside midfielder, amazing speed, courageous and he really wants to play footy and is determined.”
Clayton explained that Miller has the raw ingredients to carve out a long career at the elite level, given his elite work ethic and leadership skills.
“Touk Miller who was captain of Vic Metro; he’s a competitive beast, who trains manically, trains really hard. They’re characteristics that make you play a lot of AFL footy.”
The SUNS recruiting staff will now turn their attention to the pre-season and rookie draft on December 3 as they finalise the playing list for next season.
