Dukes of depth - Saturday 17 June 2000
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Big key position players have the value of gold, something like $US289 an
ounce. Their worth is also up there with a year's diamond production from
a dozen mines in South Africa. It's no wonder AFL clubs engage in a dog
fight whenever agile fellas of 193 centimetres plus appear on the market.
The classic rubies and pearls footballer was Craig Nettelbeck. A tall bloke from the rice growing town of Leeton in New South Wales. With a background in athletics, Nettelbeck had the co-ordination of Daley Thompson with his biorhythms right. The youngster was courted by the Sydney Swans and was a priority draft pick in 1989. At the SCG, big Craig was regarded something of a project. The red and white heavies looked to measuring his career with a sun dial instead of fast tracking his progress with a stop watch. The Nettelbecker had his first season in the Reserves at the Blood Bank. He had a leap and a mammoth kick and a second effort, rich resources for a spine guy. CN needed encouragement with reading the game so that it would become easy as John and Betty. The youngster made his senior debut during 1990. In 1992 new Sydney coach Gary Buckenara put faith in the 193 centimetre 96 kilogram centre half forward that wore the number 18 distinguished previously by such Lake legends as Paul Harrison and Wayne Carroll. Four days before before his 20th birthday in Round 10 against gun side Hawthorn at the SCG, the kid presented all day. He took two contested marks and booted two goals. His second major was a team lifter. Mark, play on and an old English curve ball that would be at home in US baseball. Unfortunately the Swannies lost 12.13 to 21.20. The young forward did well in Round 16. Fitzroy at the SCG. Took a towering grab, kicked a goal and set up two double semaphores for Minton-Connell. Yet Swans downed 21.10 to 11.17. Nettelbeck had an exciting look that was bound to have the turnstiles clicking whether fans paid for their tickets or not. He had long black hair restrained by a thin white headband. Clearly a pace setter. Aston Villa centre forward Benito Carbone has copied the style. Because of nagging injuries and the rise of Troy Luff, Craig was delisted in 1994 after 45 games. Included were 55 reserves appearances. Fremantle found a nugget when it picked up the charismatic forward with a national pre draft selection. The Dockers saw agile spinesters as precious as half of Kalgoorlie. Even though he kicked two goals in Freo's first official game, an Ansett Cup loss to St Kilda, Nettelbeck failed to play a senior match for premiership points. For reasons that were never explained, the big fella was dropped off after one season. Melbourne surprised many when it drafted NB with 1996 pre season draft pick number 2. The former Docker took over the Demons' number 18 made famous by Steven Stretch and Diamond Jim Tilbrook. Nettelbeck had a highly productive year. Played 20 senior games. Some of his work in defence was exemplary. Three goal saving marks through 1997 Round 9 that Port won 10.18 to 3.9. The following week a timely goal in the 25 point win over Richmond. Craig was considered a handy back up over 1998. Yet he was let go at the end of the year after 78 games at three clubs. There were some 70 with the Twos. But like Gloria Gaynor he could never say goodbye. Aiming to be drafted by the Bulldogs, Nettelbeck had the misfortune to wreck his knee during a pre season practice match in 1999. He promptly retired. A potentially glittering career. |
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