Western Jets coach Torin Baker could see something special in Daniel Venables long before he was selected by the West Coast Eagles in the 2016 AFL national draft.
It was back when Venables was playing for the Jets in an under-16 game against Calder Cannons and showing his full repertoire of skills that Baker and Jets region manager Shane Sexton decided he was ready, then and there, to face bigger, stronger and more experienced opponents in the under-18 TAC Cup.
“We played him in three games that year [2014] as a 16-year-old in the Jets’ under-18 group,” Baker said. “Watching him that day, we were a fan of the way he played and knew he had great talent.”
Venables, with a taste of the TAC Cup under his belt, fronted up the next season as a bottom- age player and showed flashes of brilliance.
Any question marks entering his top-age season were dispelled this year when he fronted up in round one and produced a dazzling performance against Oakleigh Chargers.
“At the start of the year, I really had high hopes that he’d be around this mark in the draft, but obviously a lot has to take place,” Baker said. “His round one game against Oakleigh was excellent.”
Venables found his way into the Vic Metro side for the national championships by mid- year. He impressed in the Big V title-winning run, earning All-Australian honours.
The recruiters were drawn to his bull-at-a-gate style in the forward half and his eye for a goal, particularly in pressure situations. He ticks another box with his defensive work.
Venables got an invitation to the AFL draft combine but could not attend because of a foot injury. He didn’t need the extra testing as West Coast liked what they saw in his football and pounced with pick 13 in the draft, perhaps envisaging a player with characteristics similar to a star already on their list: forward/midfielder Luke Shuey.
Baker sees West Coast as a perfect fit for Venables. “Obviously he’s got to move and it will take some adjustment, but I think West Coast have proven they play a lot of their youngsters early and the fast decks over there will suit him.”
Baker has no doubt Venables will handle the move with aplomb. He says Venables is not too dissimilar to Liam Duggan, a former Western Jet selected by the Eagles in the first round of the 2014 draft.
“I think he’ll handle it,” Baker said. “He’s a strong-minded boy and, like Liam, they’re both really close to their families. When you’re determined to achieve your goal and you’ve got something inside you that says you want to make the most of the opportunity you’ve been given, you find a way.”
