Gaertner slays demons

By Marc McGowan
AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan believes Dandenong Stingrays rising star Steven Gaertner has put past demons behind him with two stunning TAC Cup finals performances.
AFL clubs overlooked the 198-centimetre Gaertner in last year’s national draft after he was touted as a potential first-round pick.
The athletic centre half-back also missed initial selection for the Victoria Metro side this year before fighting his way into the squad for the last few games.
But Sheehan was glowing in his appraisal of Gaertner’s finals displays so far.
“He’s a tall boy and they do take a while to get it all together,” Sheehan said.
“He’s had a rollercoaster couple of years, but the last two weeks have been the best footy he’s played.
“His decision-making is still a work-in-progress, but, gee, his run, for a kid of that size, is pretty impressive.”
Sheehan also lauded Stingrays midfielder Tom Scully, who will receive the AFL life members’ education award in a pre-grand final function at the MCG on Saturday.
Berwick-based Scully joins the likes of Matthew Kreuzer, Joel Selwood, Nicholas Naitanui, David Wirrpanda and Shannon Grant as a winner of the $4000 scholarship, which goes to one pre-draft age player each year.
“Tom is in the top bracket of young players … he’s an elite athlete, he has speed and endurance, he makes great decisions, his hands are so clean, he’s courageous and he’s a good size to play midfield,” Sheehan said. “He’s also an outstanding young man in terms of his work within the game and outside the game as well.”
Berwick pair Ashley Smith and Aaron Purves, and Cranbourne’s Chris Doria, also caught Sheehan’s eye in Dandenong’s seven-point preliminary final triumph over Gippsland.
“I think everyone who is playing in this competition is a chance (to get drafted),” Sheehan said.
“There are an extra two spots on the rookie list this year for every club – another 32 spots overall – so you can’t discount any guy who’s playing in the finals across this competition. A good game in the grand final can push you right back up there, too, so maybe it will unearth a couple more.”