General News
1 October, 2021
Sinnott set for Draft Combine
HAMISH Sinnott is hoping an arduous training program will help him test strongly at today’s AFL National Draft Combine.
HAMISH Sinnott is hoping an arduous training program will help him test strongly at today’s AFL National Draft Combine.
The local draft hopeful is bound for Bendigo’s La Trobe University for the testing phase of the draft process, which will give clubs further information on each prospect ahead of the November 24 draft.
Only the country Victorian attendees will test in Bendigo, with their metropolitan counterparts to test at a later date due to COVID restrictions.
Sinnott, who played 10 games for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels and once for Vic Country this season, said he was both nervous and excited for the combine.
“It’s started to become a bit more real now this week, so it will be good to get it done Friday,” he said.
“I’m probably more nervous than I have been for most of the year but I’ve tried not to think about it too much.
“It’s always been in the back of my mind. I’m trying not to be too nervous but I’m definitely excited.”
While traditionally held over three days at Marvel Stadium, this year’s combine has been condensed significantly due to COVID.
Metro and interstate hopefuls will not complete the testing with the country Victoria participants, who will take part in only three tests – the two kilometre time trial, vertical jump and 20 metre sprint tests – on the single day.
Club meetings will be staged online after the testing day, while medical screenings and skills testing will not take place.
A training session will be held following the testing phase, but that is designed for the Vic Country program to catch-up following a tumultuous year.
Despite the differing circumstances, Sinnott said he had taken it in his stride and was eager to test well.
“All of them I want to try my best in but the two kayer is the main one I want to do really well in,” he said.
“The other ones I’ve definitely got to try and get a score in as well because I didn’t test too well at the start of the year.
“Hopefully I can get a much better score this time around.
“It’s been a lot different this year but it’ll be good to just get it done.”
Key to his hopes of performing well has been regular training sessions with a local triathlete over the past two months.
“I’ve been doing a lot of time trial work a couple of nights a week with Deiter McDonald,” Sinnott said.
“He’s helped me a lot which I’m very grateful for and he’s done a really good job.
“On other days he’s given me stuff to do as well and the Rebels have given us a gym program for our power and those types of tests.
“I’ve also tried to have a kick every now and then but I’ve probably been focusing on the running stuff a bit more.”