Captivating Callaghan earns call-up
A fourth Dragon has been selected in the AFL Academy squad to face Geelong’s VFL side this week, with Finn Callaghan being recognised for his strong start to the year.
The 189cm wingman was named as Sandringham’s best afield by the coaches in Saturday’s big win over Dandenong, capping his 24-disposal day with a brilliant long goal after bawking his defender.
He was also named in the bests in the come-from-behind win over Oakleigh in round two.
Having seen what he’s been capable of behind-the-scenes, Coach Jackson Kornberg was pleased that his obvious talents are coming to the fore on gameday.
“What’s really impressed me is he’s starting to show the stuff that we’ve seen for a couple of years at training with his run-and-carry and drive, particularly off that midfield line and half-back,” Kornberg said.
“He uses the ball really well and he’s really focusing on his strengths, which I think is the main thing that he needed to do, and remember what he could do and showcase that, which is his run-and-carry and his speed.
“I’ve been really happy with him and I think it really culminated on the weekend in his best game of the year.”
Not selected in the initial squad late last year on the back of a lack of exposed form due to the COVID-enforced shutdown and his performances in the under 16s carnival in 2019, Kornberg credits his work-ethic and character as a contributing factor to his selection.
“I think by Finn’s own admissions, in the under 16 games two years ago he probably didn’t have his greatest carnival and missed-out in the under 16s [academy squad],” Kornberg said. “But he got some good feedback as to why he didn’t and what he needed to work on and he went away.
“Through COVID, he really built his body and put on a fair bit of size and is a lot more confident now in contested situations, and a lot more confident in games to be able to understand that he can take body contact, drive-through and be really impactful with the ball around the contest.
"Certainly around the group he’s well respected and we’re just really lucky to have a person like Finn at the Dragons."
Whilst he’s started the year playing on the wing, Kornberg is keen to see what he can produce in a variety of roles this season.
“I’d be keen to have a look at him across half back at certain stages, and even potentially through the midfield too; as I said, he’s improved that contested side of his game."
“To be able to show that he can do that, I think would be a real positive.”
Callaghan joins fellow Dragons Blake Howes, Josh Sinn and Campbell Chesser in the squad for Saturday morning’s game at GMHBA stadium.
However, Chesser will be unavailable for selection after sustaining a knee injury in the round three win over the Northern Knights.
Reflecting on their journey to this point, Kornberg was proud of the resilience shown by the players selected in the face of a tumultuous period.
“They’ve done a power of work over the last 12-18 months to get themselves into that position now.
“For these boys to get the reward for effort from their preseason, and from the struggles and challenges they had last year, it think that that’s the most important part of it.”