No matter which AFL club drafts Harry DeMattia, he will forever be known as a Demon because in the other sport at which he excels - cricket - Harry has represented Melbourne in Premier District Cricket. Indeed, the talented cricketer/footballer already took part in that game at its highest level when he was a substitute fielder for the Australian cricket team during last year's Boxing Day Test against South Africa.

I first came across his name about four years ago when I read about his exploits as a junior footballer with Edithvale-Aspendale where he played in their Under 14 premiership, topped the competition goal kicking with a tally of well over the ton including one 20 goal haul. A couple of years later, the name cropped up at the MCC where he was generating interest as a left arm leg spinner and making the senior team at 16 years of age.

Next thing, he’s playing footy with the Dandenong Stingrays as an underage player in 2022 and this year, the speedy midfielder/forward was the Vic Country co-captain. He runs the 20-metre sprint in 2.94 seconds, looks and plays like a true X factor cat. One to watch in the Coates League and a likely late first, early second round selection.

https://www.afl.com.au/video/922200/2023-coates-talent-league-profile-series-harry-demattia?modal=true&publishFrom=1683770400001&type=video&videoId=922200

 

1 hour ago, Nascent said:

Remind us of the circumstances of this pic, Nase? Preseason 'invited to train on'? Means anything?

@Whispering_Jack you are usually well-informed and/or have an uncanny knack if highlighting the players that we end up drafting.

It's almost spooky.

5 hours ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

Remind us of the circumstances of this pic, Nase? Preseason 'invited to train on'? Means anything?

He trained with Dees for a few sessions due to connection with the Dandenong Stingrays leading up to the National Champs.

We must have given him some decent pointers, DeMattia’s output spiked from that point onward.

5 hours ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

Remind us of the circumstances of this pic, Nase? Preseason 'invited to train on'? Means anything?

As per ChaserJs reply. I believe Cooper Simpson was also in attendance then as well. Doesn't mean much come draft time.

If we recruit him he goes straight to the lookalikes thread as the Tradie Undies guy.

46 minutes ago, Little Goffy said:

If we recruit him he goes straight to the lookalikes thread as the Tradie Undies guy.

nick 'the honey badger' cummins

15 tests for oztraya in the rugby

He is a draft slider, was highly touted last year but has slid this year due to professionalism is the word in the ranks. 

14 minutes ago, Vineytime said:

He is a draft slider, was highly touted last year but has slid this year due to professionalism is the word in the ranks. 

Fair enough. Clearly can't keep a barber's appointment for starters.

On 9/2/2023 at 4:53 PM, TRIGON said:

@Whispering_Jack you are usually well-informed and/or have an uncanny knack if highlighting the players that we end up drafting.

It's almost spooky.

Nothing spooky. I have a long association in junior football and often get early information on up and coming prospects as a result. If we end up drafting them it’s purely coincidence.

The Herald Sun online has updated its profiles:-

Harry De Mattia

Midfielder/Forward

Club: Dandenong Stingrays/ Edithvale-Aspendale

State: VIC

Age: 11/09/05

Weight: 77kg

Height: 184cm

2023 Coates Talent League 102 ranking points, 19 disposals, 3.8 marks, 2.6 clearances, 4.1 inside-50s, 4.8 tackles, 3.9 score involvements, 0.6 goals (11 games) 2023 National Champs. 73 ranking points, 14.3 disposals, 2 marks, 5 inside-50s, 2.3 clearances, 4 tackles, 3 score involvements (4 games)

A former junior cricket star who represented Victoria, De Mattia impressed recruiters during the national championships with Vic Country. He showed off his explosive speed breaking away from the contest, as well as nice agility, clean hands and his pressure game. De Mattia was also deployed in a different role in the backline during the final match of the tournament and didn’t look out of place given he is a defensively-minded player who regularly lays plenty of tackles. Dual-sport athletes have some added appeal to clubs given their ability to learn, which could enhance De Mattia’s prospects later in the year.

Elite speed is so captivating. Decent disposal as well. And I have a thing for left arm leggies!

Cameron Ling? But with a bit more pace?

1 hour ago, Nascent said:

This one provides echoes of the excitement from the highlights of a chubby C. Oliver that surfaced in the days leading up to his draft.

Professionalism concerns? Switches can flick, as Clayton duly demonstrated (recent, hopefully outlier, circumstances excepted!)

Anything to update us with, @Whispering_Jack?

9 hours ago, dee-tox said:

Elite speed is so captivating. Decent disposal as well. And I have a thing for left arm leggies!

Is it politically incorrect to call them "chinaman" now?

so do we want this cricketer If so what doe we need to give

8 minutes ago, Kent said:

so do we want this cricketer If so what doe we need to give

Might have a 'go home' factor 🏏

If he’s from Edi-Asp it’s a no from me.

31 minutes ago, Kent said:

so do we want this cricketer If so what doe we need to give

A cricketer hey?  Wouldn't want to pay overs.

50 minutes ago, mo64 said:

Is it politically incorrect to call them "chinaman" now?

Yep. Left arm wrist spin is the description these days.

59 minutes ago, Demonstone said:

A cricketer hey?  Wouldn't want to pay overs.

you can bowl me over if we do

i guess he might run away