Francis played 21 matches for the Power in the 2008 TAC Cup. The 18 year old averaged 15 kicks, four handballs, four marks and four tackles a game. It was his third season playing for the club where he developed into a strong and reliable midfielder, using his pace to lead from the pack.
CTV>Watch Francis’ (number 13) player edits from the semi-final loss to the Dandenong Stingrays in the 2008 TAC Cup. Francis’ teammate, Jaryd Blair, is another new addition to Collingwood. Blair attracted the attention of AFL recruiters after kicking two goals a game in his first five matches. He managed to play 22 games in 2008 and averaged 11 kicks, eight handballs, four tackles and four marks a game. At only 172 centimetres Blair will need to use his skill to combat his lack of height.
CTV>Watch Blair’s (number 2) player edits from the 2008 quarter-final game against the North Ballart Rebels.Collingwood’s third selection in the rookie draft was Western Australian, John Bennell. The small forward played five games for the WAFL side, Peel Thunder, and averaged one goal and 10 possessions a game. The Pinjarra native will travel over 3,500 kilometres to make Melbourne his new home when he arrives at Collingwood after the Christmas break.
CTV>Watch Bennell’s (number 13) player edits from the 2008 WAFL playing for the Peel Thunder against South Fremantle.
