Stephens and Taheny become AFL bound

Two Norwood juniors have been given their chance at the AFL after the conclusion of the 2019 national and rookie drafts.

Speedster Dylan Stephens was the first Redlegs to have his name called, as the Sydney Swans snapped up the Norwood junior with pick five in the national draft.

The classy on-baller showed glimpses of speed and poise throughout his 2019 season at the Parade, showing his ability to break away from a contest at speed and being able to set up plays and kick goals.

Stephens was a member of South Australia’s Under-18 National Championship side, which he was selected as an All-Australian.

His football talents kept him busy during 2019, splitting time between State commitments and Norwood.

Through 13 Senior games, Stephens averaged 18.2 disposals, 3.4 inside 50s and 4.5 tackles per contest, while also playing his part in the Reserves Grand Final collecting 26 disposals in the 19-point win.

Next cab off the rank was exciting forward Cameron Taheny, who will reunite with former teammates and now Geelong duo Jacob Kennerley and Ben Jarvis after being called at pick 50 by the Cats.

Originally from the Eastern Ranges Football Club, Taheny kicked 15 goals in his seven games with Norwood’s League team this season, averaging 9.7 touches in the process.

An exciting talent with plenty of x-factor, he was among the Redlegs best performers in their Reserves Grand Final against Woodville-West Torrens, slotting four goals as the most damaging forward on the ground.