As clubs sharpen their focus ahead of the November 28-29 draft,rival clubs believethe Bombers are focusing on Elijah Tsatas,the Oakleigh Chargers and Vic Metro star.

While the Bombers have options,Tsatas is high in their thinking,particularly if Greater Western Sydney takes forward Aaron Cadman with the No.1 overall selection,Will Ashcroft is taken with pick No.2 by Brisbane as a father-son,andNorth Melbourne take forward Harry Sheezel and midfielder George Wardlaw with the following picks.

Tsatas,who overcame a foot fracture through the season,is listed at 186 centimetres and 79 kilograms,and has size,power and pace. He finished the season strongly,averaging more than 30 touches per game over the final month of the season. Recruiters say Tsatas is keen to remain in Victoria.

The Bombers have also been linked with South Australian Mattaes Phillipou,whose father Sam played three games for the Western Bulldogs in 1995. Phillipou,a tall midfielder and an excellent kick,is considered South Australia’s best product in the draft.

In more father-son news,North Melbourne have confirmed they will nominate Cooper Harvey,son of club legend Brent,in next month’s draft.
Harvey,a midfielder/forward,played for the Northern Knights and Vic Metro this year.

Also at the Kangaroos,Alastair Clarkson’s first official day as North Melbourne coach is on Tuesday - Melbourne Cup day- but club officials say he is more likely to be at the club the following day.

Clarkson had taken a leave of absence to deal with allegations of racism from his time at Hawthorn - allegations he has strenuously denied and is fighting with legal assistance. This had meant his November 1 start had been in doubt,but this eased when the terms of reference for the AFL investigation were released,and the Kangaroos’ board last week agreed that Clarkson could return,while juggling the investigation’s interview process.

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