Adelaide has selected Eastern Ranges midfielder Jordan Gallucci with its first pick in the 2016 AFL National Draft.
The Club’s first selection in Friday night’s draft in Sydney slid from No.13 to No.15 following bids on academy players Will Setterfield (GWS), Jack Bowes (Gold Coast) and Harry Perryman (GWS), who the Crows bid on at No.14 before locking in Gallucci.
PLAYER BIO
Jordan Gallucci
Position: Midfield
Club: Eastern Ranges
Height: 180cm
Weight: 78kg
DOB: 3/5/98
Gallucci is a ball-carrying midfielder who can break the lines with his pace. He ranked second in the mid-forward category of players for metres gained at the Under-18 National Championships for Victoria Metro, highlighting his ability to take the game on.
Gallucci has the versatility to play multiple positions and has regularly been a presence across half-forward when not ripping the ball out of clearances. He kicked five goals from 21 disposals to inspire the Eastern Ranges to a resounding TAC Cup win over the Western Jets late in the year.
A former volleyballer, Gallucci is one of the best athletes in this year’s talent pool and starred at the Draft Combine. He broke the standing vertical jump test, leaping 89cm (13cm more than his rivals) to edge out US prospect Marvin Baynham's 88cm result from 2014. Gallucci also won the repeat sprint test, and placed in the top 10 in the running vertical jump and the beep test. He ran a 2.96sec 20m sprint.
Gallucci has some power off the mark and some strength in his leg; he can hit a target off just a step or two, change direction sharply and is one of the better kicks in the draft on his day. He uses his leap to get off the ground and drag some marks in.
The Vic Metro co-captain and AIS-AFL Academy member has an insatiable work ethic, good character and excellent leadership skills.
Eastern Ranges talent manager Len Villani says:
“Jordy’s as good of an athlete as Andy McGrath – could be even better as an all-rounder and he could be the best athlete I’ve seen come through a TAC Cup system. I think he’s played his best footy behind the footy at this stage.”
