Brad Scott says he and his recruiting staff had a close eye on the South Australian for the past three seasons before landing their man on draft night.
“We are like every club, we are very pleased our first pick’s there when our turn comes around,” Scott told NMFC.com.au after training at Utah University on Friday (Utah time).
“Trent’s an outstanding young man. I think that’s the most important thing. His character is top notch; he’s a really good decision maker and a smart and versatile midfielder.”
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Dumont boasts senior experience in the SANFL at Norwood, including being a part of its premiership team. That opportunity will hold him in good stead for the transition to AFL ranks.
“The type of person he is it wouldn’t surprise me if he pushes for selection early on.
“He’s already shown that he can play multiple positions, he can play on different types of opponents and he doesn’t get overawed by the bigger, stronger bodies.
“He’s got quite a good frame on him already and I think by the end of this pre-season he’ll be capable of mixing it with senior AFL players.”
Despite being excited by the prospects of the club’s second pick (30) in the National Draft, Scott also reiterated the importance of being patient with developing players.
“Like a lot of young guys he knows he’s got a lot of work to do and we are training at pretty high intensity here at altitude, so it certainly is a bit of a baptism of fire for him, but he’s acquitted himself really well so far,” he added.
“We’re not going to rush him. We are going to make sure we get a really good solid base into him.”
[RELATED: Video - Trent Dumont's first day]
Dumont averaged 16.8 possessions a game at senior level last season and represented South Australia at the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
The 18-year-old arrived in Utah on Wednesday with fellow draftee Ben Brown for the last week of the club’s high-altitude camp.
