THE TASMANIA Devils laid claim to four draftees last year, and look set to produce a few more in 2023. Among the top prospects from the Apple Isle are AFL Academy members Jack Callinan and Colby McKercher, two speedy customers who will look to build on promising bottom-age campaigns and take the next step this season.

Callinan, the son of former Adelaide Crows small forward Ian, is somewhat a chip off the old block. His agility and goal sense make for good viewing inside 50, but he unfortunately will not be eligible for father-son selection.

McKercher was one of the nation’s best performed bottom-agers last year and has already established himself in Tasmania’s midfield core. With line-breaking acceleration and sharp foot skills on the attack, he’s an eye-catching type.

The Devils’ boys and girls squads recently underwent preseason testing in Launceston, under the eye of Rookie Me. Amid their several chats with club recruiters, we sat down with Callinan and McKercher for a quick Q&A ahead of the new Coates Talent League season.

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Q&A

JACK CALLINAN

Q: How has preseason been?

A: I’ve been pretty fortunate, no roadblocks or anything so it’s been really good. I trained at Collingwood with a couple of the other Tassie boys, Colby McKercher and Ryley Sanders. That was a really good week and pretty full on, but I loved every minute of it and got heaps out of it.

Q: What learnings have you taken from the AFL Academy?

A: Just everything. The coaching staff there have been really good. We’ve had our camp and even in some of the Zoom meetings and sessions they set us up with nutrition, just finding different ways that we can benefit ourselves not just with the footy.

Q: How has your bottom-age year set you up for your top-age campaign?

A: I think learning off a few of the boys last year that did get drafted, like Seth Campbell played a similar sort of role to what I do and I picked his brain a fair bit throughout the year. I’m looking to move forward and strive for that this year and pass some of that knowledge down to the boys who need it.

Q: What role will you play this year?

A: I’m not sure at the moment, probably a bit of both (midfield and forward). I played forward for the majority last year so I’m looking for a bit more midfield time, but I’m not sure on the ratios of it.

Q: Are there any players you mould your game on?

A: Probably Tyson Stengle from Geelong, he’s been one of the main ones. He was at Adelaide, I loved him then and I still love him now after his Grand Final performance last year. The way he went about his footy was pretty special.

Q: What was it like growing up with your dad playing AFL?

A: I was pretty fortunate to be at an age when he was playing AFL that I still sort of remember a few things and I cherish those moments a lot, like from his first game down in Geelong.

Q: Has your dad been the biggest influence on your own footy career?

A: He’s been the biggest influence, just with everything. He did it the tough way, he didn’t get drafted when he was 18 like most other people, he had a few challenges along the way but his perseverance is something I really strive towards.

Q: Do you share any footballing traits with him?

A: Probably just our goal sense. He’s a little bit shorter than me so that’s something I’m pretty happy about, being a bit taller. We’re both pretty similar with the sort of roles we play, but I probably play a bit higher up the ground than he did.

Q: Would you like to follow in his footsteps and play for Adelaide?

A: It’d be nice to play for Adelaide but I’d love to play anywhere. Growing up living in Tassie you know that you’re going to have to move away, it’s just a matter of if you do get picked up, where you go. It’s been on my mind a bit… yeah I’m a Crows supporter.

Q: What are some of Tasmania’s goals for 2023?

A: We were probably in the same sort of boat last year, we didn’t really have that many expectations on us. No Tassie side’s really gone that far into the finals so this year’s probably a little bit more pressure after playing in a prelim last year, but I think if we can just stick to our structures that’ll take us far enough to where we can succeed.

COLBY MCKERCHER

Q: What do your bottom-age accolades meant to you heading into your top-age year?

A: It’s a good indicator of where you are in the group pool. It’s always good to be recognised for the hard work and performances that you’ve put in so I’m grateful to be in those teams and programs.

Q: Are there any teammates or opponents who stood out to you in those high-level programs?

A: You probably hear it a bit, Will Ashcroft. I played against him for Sandy when we got beaten by a fair bit. Then we played him against Vic Metro he had 11 free kicks for or something like that, so he was a pretty frustrating player to play against for not just the players, but the coaching staff as well. But he’s a gun, you could see that he’s pretty much readymade for the AFL.

Q: What are some of your strengths?

A: I’d say my running ability, my speed and endurance. I think I’m a good kick and decision maker. I’m clean below my knees and that’s important as a midfielder to be one-touch and not fumble, because otherwise you’re going to get tackled.

Q: Is there anything you’re looking to improve on?

A: Strength and size is probably the biggest thing. Being a midfielder at the next level, they’re so big and strong so I need to be able to take the skills I’ve got and add to the things I’m not good at, which is that and touching up on a few skills.

Q: What kind of role will you play in 2023?

A: I think midfield is where I play my best footy so I’ll spend most of the time there. A little bit forward as well, to try and hit the scoreboard. I like to make a big impact on the game with my disposals and set up goals, so I can’t see why I can’t go down there and kick a few myself.

Q: Are there any players you mould your game on?

A: I’d say Connor Rozee is one that I look at quite closely and take stuff from his game and try emulate it in mine. Also Chad Warner, more dynamic midfielders who use the ball well and take the game on, win a fair bit of it and try impact the game.

Q: Who are some of the mentors who have helped you along your footballing journey?

A: Other than coaches for the last few years, probably more my family. My pop, especially. My mum and dad, not so much for advice on football, that’s more the coaches, but more support. If I ever need to talk about things or have a bad game, they’re always there for me and that’s the most important thing.

Q: What are some of your goals for the year?

A: Everybody’s goal is to get drafted but I think if I just worry about each game itself and playing well in each game, it’s going to be a stepping stone to getting to where I want to be. It’s easier to control as well, playing well every week instead of saying ‘I want to get drafted’ and worrying about that. I think it’s a better approach if I just look at it game by game and put in a good performance if I can, every week.

Q: Do you support an AFL team?

No I don’t… I like a lot of players, I just watch to enjoy the game. Sometimes I’ll choose a team, like if two teams are playing I’ll have favourites over others but there’s not really one that I’ll go ‘yeah, I barrack for them, I’m a diehard supporter.’ I feel like it only makes you want to watch one game in the week, whereas if you’re just picking each game you’ll just watch them all… my dad goes for Carlton, mum goes for North and pretty much both sides of the family are North.

Q: You’ll have to move interstate to play AFL, do you have a preference of destination?

A: I wouldn’t say I have a preference. I have some family in Melbourne and it’s also a quick flight over, but I think I’ve just come to terms with the fact I’m going to have to move away from home. So regardless of where it is, I get to play football for a living if I’m lucky enough to (be drafted).