Dockers grab Perth Demons star
UPDATE: The Fremantle Dockers have pulled off their second steal of the AFL trade week, picking up reigning Perth Demons best and fairest Tendai Mzungu in a deal with the Gold Coast.
The Dockers gave up pick 38 in return for Mzungu and pick 44 after the Suns selected him as one of their pre-listed players.
Both Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs were believed to be keen on recruiting the dashing defender after the 24-year-old stepped up his game once again in an impressive 2010 WAFL season.
"It'd be amazing," said Mzungu, who five years ago was playing amateurs for Trinity Aquinas. "I've always wanted to play in the AFL but I wasn't considered good enough for a long time. I think I grew a bit a few years back and that helped me.
"I came to the tests wanting to show what I could do and really focused on doing a good beep test."
The deal came just hours after Mzungu completed a State draft screening session at UWA, where he producing a string of impressive performances in both endurance and speed tests.
"Clubs were looking at Tendai today," AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan said on Sunday. "He's had a terrific year, is an exciting player that deserves an opportunity."
Sheehan praised the system that had given mature-age players a chance to be listed by Gold Coast and then traded to other clubs.
"That's the great part about the flexibility that's been brought in to allow clubs to negotiate with the Gold Coast," he said.
"They can sign guys who have been in the draft before and trade them. That gives these players an instant result.
"With the new teams coming in, if you persevere and don't give up, you could find yourself in the AFL quicker than you think."
Mzungu polled 20 Sandover Medal votes and won the Butcher Medal as the Demons' fairest and best for 2010.
"Tendai played most of his footy across half-back but pushed into the midfield this year and was very impressive," Fremantle player manager Brad Lloyd said.
"He is an exceptionally hard worker and is a very smart footballer … very clean below his knees, uses the ball very well and takes the game on with his run and carry."
While Mzungu could receive instant reward, Swan Districts teenager Isiah Stevens dramatically increased his hopes of a rookie listing with a stunning athletic display at the tests.
Stevens equalled Nic Naitanui's running vertical leap record, jumping 1.02m.
Stevens moved to Perth from Port Hedland late last year to play colts. The 18-year-old then played in the WAFL's under 23 All-Stars game which showcased talented players before the colts grand final and took one of the marks of the year.
East Fremantle forward Sam Menagola also boosted his draft chances with a level 15.6 beep test. That effort fell just short of the 15.7 record set by Victorian Haydn Hector earlier this month.
