Denmark-Walpole’s Kalin Lane selected in national draft combine among a dozen WA players

Talented Denmark-Walpole ruckman Kalin Lane took another big step towards being drafted by an AFL club later this year, after being named among a dozen WA players to earn an invitation to next month’s national draft combine.

The NAB AFLW and AFL national draft combine nominees were named last week with the 204cm Lane one of 12 WA players to have received interest from at least three AFL clubs.

Lane and Fremantle next generation academy member Joel Western are the two Claremont representatives among the 96 male players invited to the combines.

Playing as the first choice ruckman for Claremont, Lane has featured in eight colts games this season and averages 11 disposals, 22 hit-outs and 2.6 tackles per game.

His follow-up work from stoppages has been a highlight in WAFL colts games this year.

Lane is one of two ruck prospects named, along with South Fremantle’s Shannon Neale.

The national combine is usually held in Melbourne with all nominees attending but due to the current COVID-19 pandemic the combine will be State-based.

The WA combine will be held at Wesley College on September 30, with players involved on WAFL grand final day that weekend to test at a later date.

There will also be a pair of under-18 All-Star matches involving the State’s best draft talent on October 10 and 17.