AFL Mid-Season Draft Nominees
Six Box Hill players have nominated for the 2019 Mid Season Draft.
Here we take a look at the prospects of each nominee:
Damian Mascitti
190cm, 86kg, 26 years old
The former Port Melbourne Premiership star moved straight into Box Hill’s leadership upon his signing this year. Mascitti has been an excellent VFL player for many years and his Elimination Final game against Box Hill last year, where he kicked four goals from 26 disposals played a significant role in his recruitment to the Hawks. Mascitti has been an experienced and steady head off the half-back line for Box Hill this season, averaging 18 disposals and five marks. A versatile player who can play up forward and down back and use his great skills to create, Mascitti even captained the side against Collingwood last Saturday in the absence of Andrew Moore. Mascitti is a proven player, who would no doubt acquit himself at AFL level if given a chance.
2019 Best Performance: Mascitti proved to be Box Hill’s best in the side’s Round 3 loss to Port Melbourne. He had no doubt set himself for his first meeting against his old club, providing composure and effectiveness by foot in defence with 20 disposals and four marks.
Luke Meadows
186cm, 85kg, 24 years old
Meadows’ name has been on AFL draft radars after a break out year in 2016 saw him burst onto the scene in the WAFL. Meadows crossed to box Hill this season after averaging more than 25 disposals, five tackles and placing ninth in the Sandover Medal for West Perth last season. A prolific midfielder, Meadows has proven he can mix it with AFL players and has shouldered a heavy load in Box Hill’s midfield to average 21 disposals and four tackles per game. He’s ready to step up and play now.
2019 Best Performance: Meadows played a key role in Box Hill’s second-half domination of Sandringham in Round 2 at Marvel stadium, recording a game-high seven inside 50s, among 34 disposals and five marks.
Andrew Moore
189cm, 87kg, 26 years old
A former no.9 National Draft selection for Port Adelaide, Andrew Moore racked up 60 games at AFL level for both Port Adelaide and Richmond. Now in his third season at Box Hill, second as captain, Moore is continuing to drive the standards at the Hawks. After leading his side to a premiership last season, Moore has aged like a fine wine and has led Box Hill from the front to average 24 disposals, five marks and almost a goal per game this season. The inspirational Premiership skipper is very good overhead and a contested ball beast that would provide excellent grunt and leadership at any AFL club. Unfortunately, Moore injured his shoulder in a collision late in the sides Round 7 loss to Richmond and will face an extended period on the sidelines likely to hurt his chances of a mid-season draft selection.
2019 Best Performance: Andrew Moore led Box Hill to its Round 4 victory over Coburg with a game-high 34 disposals, four marks, three tackles and a goal.
Nathan Mullenger-McHugh
196cm, 88kg, 22 years old
Nathan Mullenger-McHugh knows what it takes to make the highest level. Despite being moved on after two seasons at the Western Bulldogs, after being selected as their first pick in the 2016 Rookie Draft, Mullenger-McHugh has impressed in his first season at Box Hill. His elevation straight into Box Hill’s leadership group in his debut season at the club is a true testament to his character. The key position player possesses an impressive aerial ability, strong hands and elite speed. Mullenger-McHugh has the ability to play either end of the ground, but has cemented his spot in Box Hill’s forward line. Although still young and raw, Mullenger-McHugh would be a worthy long-term key position prospect for any club.
2019 Best Performance: Mullenger-McHugh produced his best performance for the club in last week’s loss to Collingwood. The key forward slotted a set shot from a tight angle, as well as impressed in second ruck duties with 11 hitouts.
Brayden Kilpatrick
181cm, 76kg, 22 years old
Brayden Kilpatrick has been a story of consistency in his third season at the Box Hill Hawks. Although playing strong football last season, Kilpatrick found himself in and out of Box Hill’s team as a result of a healthy Hawthorn list. However, a new found maturity and a permanent spot on the wing has seen him become one of Box Hill’s most important players to average 20 disposals and four marks per game. ‘Killa’ possess a classy left boot, quick hands and an ability to hit the scoreboard. The one-time Sydney Swans Academy prospect is widely known in the VFL to step up in the big moments, including producing a match-winning toe poke in Box Hill’s Elimination Final last season.
2019 Best Performance: Kilpatrick dominated the Round 1 Grand Final re-match against Casey, racking up 24 touches and kicking two long-raking left boot goals.
Nathan Boucher
171cm, 70kg, 20 years old
In his second season at Box Hill, Nathan Boucher is beginning to make his mark. The speedy half forward, provides exciting zip and dash around stoppages and is highly respected for his work rate. Boucher is a big game player, having kicked eight goals from two games at Marvel Stadium for Box Hill.
2019 Best Performance: Boucher was electric from the first bounce in the Round 2 clash against Sandringham at Marvel Stadium. The dynamic small forward opened proceedings with an impressive running goal out of traffic and was everywhere for the rest of the contest kicking four goals from 15 disposals, six marks and five tackles.
