Every year, without fail, there are players who are overlooked and undervalued in the draft. Those who are taken late, low, in the rookie draft, or not at all.
Whether it be selecting Nick Larkey with pick 73 in 2016 or Todd Goldstein with pick 37 in 2006 North has its fair share of bargain picks on the current list.
One player stands out as probably the most inspired selection in the recent history of the club though, and that is the recruitment of Cam Zurhaar through the rookie draft.
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As a raw midfield/forward prospect beset by injury in his draft year, Zurhaar was passed over 77 times in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, and ten more times in the 2017 rookie draft, with North selecting Larkey and Jy Simpkin (selection no.12) that year.
It wasn’t until the 11th pick of the rookie draft where ‘The Bull’ would hear his name read out, with the Western Australian moving east to Arden Street.
He registered the third best running vertical leap off his left leg (92cm) of anyone in his draft year, showcasing the potential of that strength, power and athleticism that have become so crucial to his game as he’s moved forward in his career.
Making his debut in Round 17, 2017, Zurhaar played just nine games of senior football in his first two seasons at the club, but has been a near ever present in the years since.
After winning the club’s leading goalkicker award in 2020, he is beginning to form a productive forward partnership with fellow late draftee Larkey. The pair is becoming one of the most efficient and effective forward pairs in the competition.
After a slow start to his 2021 season, Zurhaar stormed home in the back half of the campaign, finding his feet to kick 28 goals his final 13 appearances for the year, including bags of four against Hawthorn, the Western Bulldogs and Richmond.
Still just 23 years of age, Zurhaar’s rapid improvement at senior level can be attributed to his mentality and drive to improve, with his aggression and passion to win the football evident every time he steps onto the field.
With 79 goals in 64 games, he’s moving in a clear upward trajectory, as he looks to maintain his status as a crucial cog in North’s young and exciting forward line for years to come.
While all eyes may be on the top end of the draft and the likes of Jason Horne-Francis, Nick Daicos, Sam Darcy and Finn Callaghan, Zurhaar’s rapid rise to become one of North’s most important and influential players offers a stark reminder of the talent that’s available to every club at every selection.
