Edwards, Heath realise their dreams
Jacob Edwards (left) and Max Heath
By Marcus Uhe
Jacob Edwards and Max Heath have become the latest Dragons to enter the AFL, selected by North Melbourne and St Kilda, respectively, in the 2021 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
Edwards, as expected, was chosen with the first pick in the draft, following an impressive start to the year with the Dragons, having kicked five goals from his three games this season.
It caps a remarkable rise for the 202-centimetre forward/ruck, who was playing in division four of the SMJFL competition for Beaumaris in 2019, when spotted by Dragons Talent Manager, Mark Wheeler.
Speaking to North Melbourne’s website, the Kangaroos’ recruiting manager Mark Finnigan was thrilled to bring a player of Edwards’ capabilities to the club.
“We are really excited to bring Jacob to North and look forward to seeing him develop in the coming years,” Finnigan said.
“He fills a need on our list at 202cm, and gives us flexibility as a key forward or ruckman – both positions he’s excelled at in NAB League and school footy.
“His contested marking has been a strength, he reads the play well and his kicking ability for his size, in general play or for goal, is a real asset.”
He joins Jack Mahony and Will Walker as fellow former Dragons on the Kangaroos’ list.
Heath will remain in the familiar surrounds of St Kilda’s facility at RSEA Park, but no-longer as a Dragon.
The 204-centimetre ruckman was taken with the Saints’ first selection at pick seven and now has the opportunity to develop his ruck craft alongside Rowan Marshall, a player who he models his game off of.
Heath will be the third former Dragon to join St Kilda’s list, along with 2019 Dragons captain Ryan Byrnes, and Max King.
St Kilda’s head of list management James Gallagher told their website that Heath’s physicality stood-out in the recruiting process.
"Max has great physical attributes and the way he attacks the contest in the ruck is impressive, not only for a big man, but for a player his age.
"He's a raw talent and is still completing his Year 12 studies at Xavier College, but we see a lot of upside in him.”
On behalf of everyone at the Dragons, we thank these boys for their contributions to the program and wish them all the very best for what lies ahead in their AFL career.